E3 Metals Corp. opened its direct lithium extraction (DLE) development and testing facility in Calgary, Alberta. This facility will be the site of the company’s continued progression toward commercialization of its DLE technology. This includes the scale-up and lab prototype campaign in preparation for the field pilot plant.
All equipment within the facility is owned by E3 Metals and will be operated exclusively by E3 Metals’ team. E3 Metals’ DLE process test work will continue to extract lithium directly from oilfield brine sourced from the Leduc Reservoir within E3 Metals’ resource area. In addition, the company said it will use the space to ramp up development of the full flowsheet, which is the production of lithium hydroxide from oilfield brine, throughout 2021.
“We are very excited to be consolidating our direct lithium extraction process development work into our new E3 Metals’ testing facility right here in Calgary,” President and CEO Chris Doornbos said. “Our team is well on the way to transferring E3 Metals’ core process development work to Calgary and we anticipate full operational efficiency before the end of the month.”
E3 Metals has 7 million metric tons (mt) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) inferred mineral resources in Alberta and its goal is to produce high purity, battery grade, lithium products. E3 Metals also continues to work with partners at the University of Alberta and at GreenCentre Canada.
