Global Metals & Mining: Direct Lithium Extraction – A potential game changing technology

The implementation of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies has the potential to significantly increase the supply of lithium from brine projects (much like shale did for oil), nearly doubling lithium production on higher recoveries and improving project returns, though with the added bonus of offering ESG/sustainability benefits, while also widening rather than steepening the lithium cost curve. Goldman Sachs Research analysts explore the progress, economics, and implications of DLE being implemented at scale, with increasing relevance in the context of Chile’s recent National Lithium Policy.