Oil and Gas Startups Podcast LiTHOS
Jun 10, 2024
Join Scott Taylor and Judson LaCapra from LiTHOS as they discuss their revolutionary electro-pressure membrane technology for sustainable lithium extraction. Explore the environmental and economic impact of traditional methods, the importance of domestic lithium production for EVs, and the global lithium market. Learn about their journey from oil & gas to lithium innovation, and how LiTHOS aims to transform the industry through collaboration and innovation.
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Electro Pressure Membranes Replace Evaporation Ponds
- LiTHOS uses a patent-pending electro-pressure membrane that combines electrodialysis with pressured membranes to split raw brine into a concentrated lithium money stream and a re-injectable waste stream.
- The tech targets continental brines (20–36% salinity) to remove divalent contaminants so lithium can reach battery-grade purity without long evaporation ponds.
Brine Lithium Is Best For Direct Extraction
- Lithium feedstock type determines extraction method and purity: hard rock (spodumene), clays, and aqueous brines each require different processing routes.
- LiTHOS focuses on aqueous brines where lithium is already dissolved and selectively extractable, avoiding hard-rock crushing or clay leaching.
US Owns Little Of Global Lithium Supply
- The U.S. produces under 1% of global mined lithium while China controls roughly three quarters of processing and production.
- That concentration creates a strategic supply risk as EV and grid storage demand explodes over the next 3–5 years.