Direct lithium extraction (DLE) from brines and produced water, adsorption, ion exchange, and membrane-based systems.

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    Matched providers: 41

    Top countries: United Kingdom, United States

    Popular technologies: Acid Dosing Systems, Alkali Dosing Systems

    Lithium Extraction from Brines and Geothermal Waters: DLE, Evaporation Pond, and Membrane Technologies

    Lithium extraction from brine sources (salt lake brines, geothermal brines, oilfield produced water) uses three main technology families. Traditional solar evaporation ponds (used in Atacama, Bolivia, Argentina) concentrate lithium from 200 to 1,500 mg per L to 60,000 mg per L by 12 to 18 months of evaporation, then recover lithium as lithium carbonate by precipitation. Evaporation ponds require flat, arid terrain with high evaporation rates; they are economically practical only in specific geographies, have high water consumption (evaporating large volumes), and are poorly suited to temperate or humid climates.

    Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies selectively extract lithium from brine without full evaporation, reducing water consumption and project timeline from years to hours or days. DLE technologies include: ion exchange sorbents (lithium manganese oxide (LMO) or lithium iron phosphate (LFP) sorbents with capacity 10 to 30 mg Li per g sorbent, selectivity over Na, K, Mg, Ca above 1,000:1); solvent extraction (ionic liquids or organophosphate extractants); and membrane electrodialysis (LiTAS, bidirectional ion transport). DLE produces a lithium-rich eluate at 1,000 to 5,000 mg per L Li, which is then purified by RO concentration and chemical precipitation to battery-grade lithium carbonate (99.5 percent purity minimum) or lithium hydroxide.

    Water management is central to lithium brine projects. Brine extraction affects regional groundwater and surface water hydrology; environmental impact assessment must quantify brine reinjection volumes and quality, and surface water level changes. Geothermal brine DLE (Salton Sea region, California; Vulcan Energy, Germany) extracts lithium from hot brines (150 to 300 degrees C, 200 to 400 mg per L Li) already brought to surface for power generation, then reinjects the depleted brine - a zero-net-surface-impact model. Freshwater use for DLE sorbent washing and chemical processing is 10 to 50 times lower per tonne of lithium than solar evaporation. Regulatory frameworks for brine extraction differ globally: US requires NEPA environmental review; Chile and Argentina require lithium production quota agreements.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and how does it differ from evaporation ponds?

    Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) selectively removes lithium from brine using sorbents, ion exchange resins, membranes, or solvent extraction without concentrating the entire brine by evaporation. DLE advantages: (1) Speed - hours to days vs 12 to 18 months for evaporation; (2) Recovery rate - 80 to 90 percent vs 40 to 50 percent for evaporation ponds; (3) Water savings - 80 to 95 percent less freshwater consumed; (4) Geography independence - works in humid climates where evaporation is insufficient; (5) Selectivity - produces lithium concentrate directly, avoiding co-precipitation of impurities that complicate downstream processing. Trade-offs: DLE capital cost is higher than simple evaporation ponds, and sorbent regeneration requires acid or hot water, adding operating cost. Technology readiness levels vary: ion exchange sorbents (most mature, commercial deployments), solvent extraction (commercial in some applications), electrodialysis (pilot to demonstration scale).

    What water quality is needed for lithium extraction processing?

    DLE sorbent performance is sensitive to feedwater quality: high concentrations of competing divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+) reduce lithium selectivity and sorbent capacity. Mg:Li ratio is a key brine quality metric: below 10:1 is suitable for most DLE technologies; above 40:1 (common in Atacama southern zones) requires pre-treatment by nanofiltration (rejects Mg2+ at 90 to 98 percent while passing Li+ at 20 to 50 percent selectivity, reducing Mg:Li ratio). Suspended solids must be below 1 to 5 mg per L to prevent sorbent fouling (pre-filtration by multimedia filter or cartridge filter). Fe, Mn, and silica must be controlled (below 0.1 mg per L Fe and Mn; below 20 mg per L SiO2) to prevent precipitation on sorbent surfaces during the high-pH elution step. Process water for sorbent washing (typically deionised or RO water) must be very low in lithium itself to prevent back-dilution of the eluate.

    What are the environmental impacts of lithium brine extraction?

    Water-related environmental impacts: (1) Brine aquifer drawdown - extraction of lithium brine reduces aquifer levels; inadequate reinjection volumes can lower shallow freshwater table and affect wetland ecosystems. Atacama wetlands supporting flamingo populations are under study for impacts from lithium brine extraction. (2) Surface water diversion - water used in brine processing (washing, chemical processing) diverts freshwater from water-scarce regions; Chilean DGA (water authority) regulates freshwater use in mining. (3) Evaporation pond area - ponds covering tens of km2 affect local hydrology and habitats. (4) Chemical contamination risk - acid and base reagents used in DLE processing require bunded storage and secondary containment. Responsible mining frameworks (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, IRMA) and IFC Performance Standards require social and environmental management plans, water balance studies, and stakeholder engagement with local indigenous communities.

    Can lithium be extracted from seawater?

    Seawater contains 0.17 mg per L Li (compared to 200 to 1,500 mg per L in Atacama brines), making direct extraction from seawater energetically and economically challenging with current technologies. LMO sorbents can selectively adsorb lithium from seawater, but the dilute concentration requires processing enormous volumes (approximately 5,900 m3 seawater per kg Li vs approximately 2 m3 brine per kg Li for Atacama operations). Energy consumption is 30 to 60 times higher per tonne of lithium vs brine DLE. Research is active in Japan and South Korea (island nations with limited terrestrial lithium deposits) using combined desalination + lithium extraction systems to extract lithium from seawater concentrate (brine reject from SWRO plants, containing 0.34 mg per L Li, approximately twice seawater). No commercial seawater lithium extraction plant operates as of 2026; demonstration scale projects have been reported in China and Japan.

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    Lithium Extraction from Water Companies

    Direct lithium extraction (DLE) from brines and produced water, adsorption, ion exchange, and membrane-based systems.

    41 providers

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    Find a Lithium Extraction from Water Provider

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    41 results from 41 matched providers

    Brine Consulting logo

    Brine Consulting

    Verified
    Netherlands1-50 employees
    Mechanical Vapor Recompression (MVR) · Atmospheric Evaporator · Spray Evaporator +130 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    BRINE CONSULTING delivers senior-level strategy, technical design, and actionable insight across the full lifecycle of water-related challenges. We support clients with advisory and due diligence, advanced brine management and resource recovery, industrial and municipal water reuse, and MLD/ZLD systems. Our team also leads ESG and climate-resilience strategy, innovation scouting, and international development and PPP advisory. With deep specialization in desalination, brine valorization, circular economy models, and high-impact infrastructure, we help organizations turn water and waste streams into opportunities, providing clear thinking, rapid delivery, and solutions built for real-world results.

    Activated Carbon Filtration
    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    +85 more
    manufacturing
    energy-production
    Ecosystems International logo

    Ecosystems International

    Verified
    Indonesia51-200 employees
    Flat Sheet Microfiltration Units · Hollow Fiber MF Systems · Ceramic Microfiltration Modules +80 more
    apac · china · europe +3 more

    PT Ecosystems International (PT ESI) was established at Jakarta on 21st November 2006. We are an industrial effluent treatment systems integrator specializing in electrocoagulation (EC), a unique waste water treatment profile. PT ESI has capabilities in designing complete waste water treatment solutions by combining various effluent treatment systems such as the electro-coagulation, biological, chemical processes and membrane filtration, offering its customers a wide and comprehensive range of solutions, tailored to suit their various needs – ranging from basic effluent treatment for discharge to effluent recycling for water reuse. The Company is experienced in handling the design, engineering, procurement, construction and operation of new Effluent Treatment Plants (“ETP”) and possesses expertise in retrofitting existing ETP to increase the flow rate and treatment capability without any major infrastructure increase PT ESI is also a premier waste water treatment service company specializing in handling waste water generated from Exploration (Drilling) and Produced Water. Customers in Indonesia include major Oil & Gas companies such as Pertamina, Exxon, Chevron, Petro-China and Medco. Operations in Indonesia are provided by both mobile and fixed units. At drill sites where waste-water recycling is required, PT ESI supplement these treatment units with skid mounted mobile Reverse Osmosis systems. The technologies and solutions employed by PT ESI are developed in-house and examples of these are its proprietary Trident™ Electro Contaminant Removal (“ECR”) system, the Stage Contaminant Removal (“SCR”) process and Mobile On-Site Waste-Water Treatment (“OWT”) units

    Reverse Osmosis (RO) Systems
    Ultrafiltration (UF) Systems
    Multi-media Filtration (MMF) Systems
    +63 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
    Aquatech logo

    Aquatech

    United States
    AVMD Advanced Vacuum Membrane Distillation (thermal desalination) · HERO and ARRO reverse osmosis systems · BioMOD membrane bioreactor and anaerobic systems +2 more
    North America

    Aquatech is a global water and process technology company headquartered in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, United States, focused on solving water scarcity and ensuring critical minerals security. With more than 43 years of operation, over 2,000 installations worldwide, and 700 plus water experts globally, the company treats roughly 1.6 billion gallons of water per day. Its core areas include water reuse and zero liquid discharge, desalination, industrial water treatment, wastewater management, and critical minerals recovery such as lithium extraction from brines. Aquatech delivers mobile water solutions, design build own operate and maintain (DBOOM) contracts, operations and maintenance support, aftermarket retrofits, and AI powered digital optimization.

    Water reuse and zero liquid discharge systems
    Desalination plant design and delivery
    Industrial water and wastewater treatment
    +2 more
    PuriTech logo

    PuriTech

    Belgium
    ION-IX continuous ion exchange · Counter-current ion exchange · Multiport distribution valve +2 more
    Europe

    PuriTech, founded in 1996 in Belgium, is a liquid separation specialist built around its patented ION-IX continuous counter-current ion exchange system, which uses a multiport distribution valve to cut operating cost, capital and footprint versus conventional plants. Applications include nitrate removal and arsenic removal from drinking water, softening and demineralization, plus metal recovery and direct lithium extraction. The company offers process engineering, 3D design, pilot testing and mobile treatment units.

    Process engineering
    3D plant design
    Pilot testing
    +2 more
    PNR ITALIA Srl logo

    PNR ITALIA Srl

    Verified
    Italy51-200 employees
    Spray Evaporator · Self-cleaning Screen Filters
    apac · europe · latam +2 more
    19 case studies

    We produce a comprehensive range of spraying solutions, encompassing everything from small-scale nozzles to large industrial spraying systems. Our diverse product line includes various types of nozzles tailored to meet the specific requirements of every application and customer need. The company was established in Milan in November 1968, focusing on distributing parts and components for fire protection systems. Over time, we expanded our offerings to include a diverse range of industrial sprayers tailored to various applications. In addition to our distribution and manufacturing of fire protection system components and industrial sprayers, we specialize in designing and producing pneumatic spray nozzles for industrial use and tank washing nozzles. Our product line also encompasses a variety of complementary accessories essential for industrial washing, including filters, spray guns, and hoses. Furthermore, we offer ejectors, blower nozzles, swivel joints, and hose clamps to provide comprehensive solutions for our customers' needs. PNR Italia is part of the Tecomec Group and oversees four other affiliated companies to form PNR Company, a consolidated reality with a significant presence on the market.

    Microfiltration (MF) Systems
    Disinfection Technologies
    Disinfection Chemicals
    +7 more
    agriculture
    manufacturing
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    Gradiant

    United States
    ForeverGone PFAS removal · RO Infinity · Bio Infinity biological treatment +2 more
    North America

    Gradiant is an industrial water treatment solutions and technology company headquartered in Woburn, Massachusetts, United States, founded at MIT in 2013 with over 1,300 employees worldwide. The company provides complete, site-wide solutions that combine proprietary technology, engineering, and customized chemicals to help industries reduce freshwater use, reclaim valuable resources, and renew wastewater into freshwater. Gradiant specializes in minimum and zero liquid discharge, ultrapure water, PFAS and emerging-contaminant removal, and resource recovery for sectors including semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and lithium and critical minerals.

    Industrial wastewater treatment and recycling
    Industrial process and ultrapure water production
    Minimum and zero liquid discharge systems
    +2 more
    Intelect logo

    Intelect

    United Kingdom

    At Intelect, we have over 25 years experience in providing engineering expertise to clients in process industries. Intelect have worked with Northumbrian Water and its Tier 1 suppliers and partners for over a decade, and during this time, we have provided services in design, electrical installation, control panels and pipework services. Our attention to detail, quality, and attitude to Health and Safety has been consistently recognised by our clients over the years, with us receiving numerous awards for the projects we have completed. Our flexible workforce of apprentices, engineers and project managers allows us to efficiently complete any project to our client’s requirements. On-going innovation and investment in our business means that we have the latest training and technology to execute high quality engineering projects, from design through to commissioning, all whilst maintaining best practices in Health and Safety. Intelect are committed to working in partnership with both contractors and suppliers within the utility sector, sharing our expertise and knowledge to help support companies who provide utilities to homes and businesses across the North East and the rest of the country.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Contractors
    Amazon Filters Ltd logo

    Amazon Filters Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Founded in 1985, UK-based Amazon Filters Ltd is one of Europe’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of bespoke filtration technology such as filter cartridges and housings. Our comprehensive range of products support critical liquid and gas applications in many industries. With over 40 years of continuous support to municipal water companies, we are ideally placed to solve water quality problems with our bespoke cartridge filtration technology. From small boundary boxes installations to large volume fully containerised system and rentable mobile skids, we can manufacture and supply it all. We offer solutions for: Turbidity Control Metals Removal (iron / manganese) Cryptosporidium removal Chlorine reduction Let us support your AMP 8 commitments: Securing Long Term Resilience Securing Cost Efficiency Securing Confidence and Assurance We operate a range of ISO-accredited Quality Management Systems to ensure excellence in customer service. We provide high quality, reliable products and services that exceed client expectations. We help you worry less about the filtration process so you can focus on what you do best.

    Accreditations
    SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK Ltd logo

    SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Unique integrated water solutions and unrivalled expertise. Suez Advanced Solutions UK deliver innovative methods of water and wastewater management throughout the UK. Working with a wide range of customers in the industrial and utility sectors, SUEZ Advanced Solutions UK are focussed on tailored and integrated process solutions for measurable results. Suez Advanced Solutions UK’s suite of environmental technologies and services deliver optimised methods of water network management for the water sector. Utilising a wealth and depth of experience in water and sewerage networks, a wide range of pioneering and innovative process solutions are now successfully providing commercial benefits to water companies, and improving service quality for the end user. Our industrial water specialists deliver bespoke solutions based on the specific needs and process requirements of the customer, to provide reduced costs, energy and water consumption. Committed to continuous development through technical innovation, Suez Advanced Solutions UK transfer knowledge and expertise from a diverse range of industrial sectors, offering a comprehensive understanding of processes and relevant environmental and industry legislations.

    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Asset Management
    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd logo

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd

    United Kingdom

    AJ Engineering & Construction Services Ltd provide a wide spectrum of engineering services ranging from steel fabrication and CNC machining to cladding and civil engineering, with our highly experienced team we provide on-time, on-budget quality solutions. From our bases in Forres and Fort William, and a team accustomed to travel we can meet our client’s needs wherever required. Having worked on various water and wastewater treatment projects for the past 25 years we have developed a great working relationship with water companies across the UK. Our in-house capabilities allow us to offer a turnkey service to our clients from reactive maintenance and manufacturing to planned infrastructure and non-infrastructure projects. Many of the projects we undertake in the water sector are within water treatment and wastewater treatment plants where cleanliness is paramount, all our water sector site teams hold certification and Water Hygiene cards. Our range of services collated into one means that we can take on multiple discipline contracts and deliver them as one which provides our clients with a number of advantages. It removes the need to have multiple contractors on site at once. Benefits in cost savings passed down on procuring large amounts of steel for a side wide project. Little risk of dimensional discrepancies between contractors We work alongside framework delivery partners throughout the UK providing the services below; Steel portal frame buildings (design, fabrication, erection & cladding) Design, manufacture and installation of pipe bridges Design, manufacture and installation of site wide access metalwork (walkways, access stairs, ladders etc) Design, manufacture and installation of modular water buildings transportable by road. Design of various process tanks, pipework and pumps. Fabrication of tanks and pipework (stainless and carbon) Mechanical Installation Modular Treatment Buildings and Mechanical Fit-out SR2 rated steel enclosures (quicker than GRP Kiosks) We appreciate how important quality and cleanliness is in the water sector and we are proud that we have completely segregated facilities for stainless steel and carbon steel. In addition to this we are also approved under the regulations 31(4)(A) of the water supply regulations 2016 to supply stainless steel and pipework fabrications to the drinking water sector.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Total Automation & Power logo

    Total Automation & Power

    United Kingdom

    Total Automation & Power (TAP) is a formal joint venture between Cougar Automation Ltd and Technical Control Systems Ltd. Formed in 2005, it has delivered hundreds of projects worth tens of millions of pounds. Current water and wastewater frameworks include Severn Trent, Thames, Welsh & Yorkshire Water. Working with TAP is just like working with a single company. Every project has a dedicated project manager who coordinates all the work and gives you a single point of contact. You place a single order for all of your electrical and control system design, supply and installation so you can concentrate on delivering your project without having to worry about placing and managing separate orders for MCCs, a control system and electrical installation. Unlike separate orders, both companies stand behind the whole scope and unlike a contract/sub-contract arrangement we don’t mark up each other’s price. Projects are easy to manage, secure and competitively priced. Supporting clients from initial concept design stage through to on-site commissioning, TAP collaborates with clients at every stage to evaluate designs to optimise TOTEX outcomes. When you choose TAP as your partner you get an unrivalled combination of expertise: Control System, SCADA & PLC expertise from Cougar Automation in six regional offices throughout the UK. MCC, low voltage assembly and panel expertise from Technical Control Systems’ manufacturing facility in Leeds.

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Ltd logo

    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Ltd

    United Kingdom

    ERG (Air Pollution Control) Limited is the leading supplier of wastewater odour control units (OCUs) for the UK Water Industry and increasingly supplies odour control systems around the world. In addition, ERG can provide specialist advice and solutions to assist in achieving IED compliance for relevant odour assets. In the past 10 years, we have provided over 200 OCUs and count all the UK water companies and major main contractors among our clients. So, whether you are looking for a large, multi-stage chemical scrubbing system, an environmentally friendly bio-trickling filter or bio-scrubber system, a simple but efficient activated carbon or dry media system, an Odorgard™ from ERG Hygrade, or even an RTO (Regenerative Thermal Oxidiser) system, ERG can develop a tailor-made solution to suit. All ERG Odour Control Systems are: Purpose-designed by our process engineers to eliminate the cocktail of inlet odours to the required standard. Optimised to give the best value capital and running costs. Built and tested to current BS EN and WIMES specifications. Guaranteed to achieve the required discharge odour concentration and supported by our skilled and experienced maintenance team. Minimising non-compliant emissions to atmosphere by regular, planned maintenance protects your reputation and saves you money. Our maintenance department can help keep your air pollution and odour control systems running effectively and at the lowest operating costs. Our specialist engineers are experts in maintaining most types of odour and air pollution control equipment and always work to the highest safety standards. We often save clients many thousands of pounds by repairing and enhancing dilapidated air pollution and odour control equipment. We are a framework supplier for odour control maintenance to Southern Water, Scottish Water and Thames Water, regularly maintaining more than 120 sites.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Metasphere Ltd logo

    Metasphere Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Metasphere helps customers prevent leaks and spills for a cleaner, greener world. As a wastewater application specialist business, we provide monitoring solutions to the global utility industry with over 40 000 installations in 25 major utilities. Metasphere liaises with all sectors of the industry, from major utility companies to environmental and regulatory bodies. Utilising the latest technology, we deliver intelligent, innovative all-in-one telemetry solutions that provide full network visibility, performance and forecasting that reduce telemetry ownership cost for customers to manage time-critical remote assets and systems. Our solutions are suited for Water, Wastewater, Environmental and Gas applications.

    Control & Automation
    Active Tunnelling Ltd logo

    Active Tunnelling Ltd

    United Kingdom

    As an industry leader since 1994, Active Tunnelling Ltd (ATL) is the UK’s most experienced independent, micro-tunnelling, auger boring, shaft sinking and pipe jacking company offering a comprehensive range of services to the water and civil engineering industries across the UK & Ireland. More than just a tunnelling company ATL delivers all encompassing projects solutions: whether it is a segmental shaft or complete project management from ‘tunnel’ to final landscaping, ATL delivers flexible, and tailor made solutions to suit any brief. ATL prides itself on its long list of clients that includes amongst others the UK’s leading construction companies and is proud to claim total satisfaction on every job. A dedicated and highly skilled/experienced sixty strong team are at the core of ATL’s success, this weight of experience backed by the UK’s largest independent specialist plant enables ATL to deliver on time every time. Services Our comprehensive range of services allows us to satisfy even the most demanding brief, even with short lead times you can place your trust in us leaving you to focus on other aspects of the project. Tunnelling and pipejacking: 1,000mm – 2,400mm diameter. Micro-tunnelling: 150mm – 900mm diameter. Auger boring: 150mm – 725mm diameter. Grouting. Shaft sinking. Cover slab construction. Timber headings. ATL offer Professional management team with over 30 years experience. Quick mobilisation to site. Technical support/design where required. Achilles UVDB Verify approved company. Quality Assured ISO 9001:2008 Registered Firm Cert. No. A11969. Fast response to enquiries. Fast and efficient service maintaining a high standard of safety. Specialist trenchless plant. A completed project to a high quality at a reasonable price. A willingness to work as one team with all parties to ensure satisfaction.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Contractors
    RammSanderson logo

    RammSanderson

    United Kingdom

    RammSanderson is one of the fastest growing multi-disciplinary consultancies in the UK. Already partnered with some of the largest water infrastructure companies in England, RammSanderson specialises in: Ecology Flood risk management Arboriculture Habitat management Providing a pragmatic and cost-effective approach to projects on either a site-specific or framework basis, RammSanderson is founded on the principles of customer service, technical excellence, and pragmatic solution-based consulting. The company was founded in 2014 by Oliver Ramm, Nick Sanderson and Anthony Mellor, since when it has grown from strength to strength, with a diversified client portfolio spanning across infrastructure, utilities, commercial and residential sectors. Initially focusing primarily on ecology, the company has grown to encompass a wide variety of environment-based disciplines. This approach has yielded a multitude of benefits, allowing each individual discipline to effortlessly draw knowledge from a wider set of specialists while also allowing seamless delivery and straightforward accountability on more complex multidisciplinary projects.

    Designers
    Vegetation Management
    JN Bentley Ltd logo

    JN Bentley Ltd

    United Kingdom

    JN Bentley Ltd (JNB) is a leading, privately owned construction services provider in the UK. We now have an annual turnover in the region of £100 million, generated from projects in both the building and civil engineering markets. JN Bentley JN Bentley delivers civil engineering contracting services, together with mechanical and electrical expertise. Founded in 1972, the company has grown largely from repeat work, maintaining a focus on providing construction services with an open and honest approach. The JN Bentley team numbers over 2,000 colleagues. We pride ourselves on our large, directly employed construction workforce, a team that gives us and our clients added assurances for safety and quality. We look to find innovative solutions to traditional construction challenges, applying the latest technologies to drive efficiency and reach sustainable outcomes. Across JN Bentley and our design and build companies MMB and JBA Bentley, annual revenue now exceeds £500 million. Mott MacDonald Bentley (MMB) MMB provides fully integrated civil engineering feasibility, design, construction and commissioning services to the UK water sector. Established in 1999, it harnesses the contracting strength of JN Bentley and the design specialisms of Mott MacDonald to form a 3,000-strong team – with further expertise brought in from across the Mott MacDonald Group when required. MMB was formed specifically to deliver long-term, high-volume capital programmes collaboratively with water companies. With a focus on innovation, affordability, and flexibility, since securing its first contracts with Yorkshire Water in AMP3, MMB has grown to deliver work for eight of the largest water companies in the UK.

    Renewables & Energy Management
    Contractors
    Hydro International logo

    Hydro International

    United Kingdom

    Hydro International, a CRH company,  provides advanced products, services and expertise to help municipal, industrial and construction customers to improve their water management processes, increase operational performance and reduce environmental impact. Hydro International can help water companies meet their AMP and environmental obligations, including the reduction of sewer overflows and the Water Industry National Environment Programme (WINEP). Hydro International provides total solutions for Inlet Works, Combined Sewer Overflows (CSOs), Stormwater Management, Flood Warning and Prevention, and Water Resource management, from design to supply and installation through to ongoing preventative maintenance, servicing and emergency repair.  These solutions include: Hydrometric data collection, monitoring analysis and reporting for river level, reservoir, network and weather. Continuous water quality monitoring for compliance with Section 82 of the Environment Act. Water resource analysis and consultancy. Stormwater management solutions, including options for Sustainable Drainage Systems. (SuDS) and Smart Maintenance. CSO event duration monitoring. CSO and storm tank treatment and screening. Passive flow controls for flood prevention schemes, SuDS, CSOs and WwTWs. Inlet works screening and grit removal solutions. Sludge screening. Dropping sewage or water safely from height. Hire, repair and maintenance of inlet works screens and screenings handling equipment

    Networks - Sewerage
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Steve Vick International Ltd logo

    Steve Vick International Ltd

    United Kingdom

    Steve Vick International (SVI) is dedicated to delivering cost-saving solutions for damaged, redundant or outdated underground pipework. Since its foundation in 1981, SVI has been at the forefront in developing products and techniques for the repair, renovation and decommissioning of pipes. Predominantly our work has been in the gas industry but increasingly we are undertaking projects in the water and nuclear sectors. We are the UK’s leading producer of Pipe Coil Trailers and offer a range of Pipe Handling equipment such as Handlers, Crackers and Cutters. Some of our latest innovations include the PE Pipe Cutter, the Pipe Feeder for Pre-Insulated coiled pipe, PE Live Head for Live Mains Insertion, the Perpetual Pipe Pusher, FBOS (Foambag Operation on Stubs) and SMARTester. WATER: For over 20 years water utilities and their contractors in the UK and overseas have used our pipe handling equipment to improve their efficiency and safety. Today our products include Pipe Handlers, Pipe Coil Trailers and Pipe Cutters as well as our patented DRAINBLOCK™ and RATBLOCK™ sealing systems. GAS: In the UK we are major suppliers to all the gas distribution networks. Many of the techniques we have pioneered have become the preferred methods of working in the industry and our resin foam sealant products and associated equipment are key to many of the cost-saving renovation processes used. NUCLEAR: SVI offer solutions to the problems associated with decommissioning and sealing disused pipework, ducts, sleeves and ventilation shafts. Our technology can also be designed for the mass filling of large and complex voids and is a lightweight alternative to cement grout. We have worked at Hinkley, Sellafield, Harwell, Chapelcross and Hunterston. CONTRACT SERVICES: A rapidly expanding part of our business is our Contract Service department who are well known for their work in the field of renewing and repairing underground gas pipes, for the UK Gas Distribution Networks. However, they are becoming increasingly involved in projects being undertaken by water utilities, electricity providers, rail networks, civil engineers, construction companies and local councils. This reflects the range of skills and expertise available to solve on-site problems associated with pipe repair, renovation, and diversion. Located strategically around the UK the highly skilled team can provide a fast response, emergency repairs and a rapid call out service which is offered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. HIRE: We offer specialist plant and equipment for the Utilities Industries. Products available for hire include our Pipe Handlers, Perpetual Pipe Pusher, Pipe Coil Trailers, Rapid Rotary Cutters, Rapid Window Cutters, MACAW Pipe Crackers, CRACKERJACK and Mini Purge. All our hire equipment comes with onsite support from our highly experienced engineers and our products are fully maintained and serviced at our depots. All equipment is also available to purchase. SMARTester: SMARTester is the wireless pressure test system, that ensures absolute traceability and best practice. The system combines: SMARTester pressure sensor, an intuitive App and a Dashboard database of test evidence. Together the 3 components work to give you confidence that your tests are highly accurate, fully compliant and that evidence is traceable.

    Networks - Water Supply
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Eliquo Hydrok Ltd logo

    Eliquo Hydrok Ltd

    United Kingdom

    ELIQUO HYDROK works with all major UK and Ireland water companies, providing practical water engineering solutions. As a specialist engineering firm with head office in Indian Queens, ELIQUO HYDROK operates at the forefront of innovative and sustainable water treatment technologies. We support the entire UK water sector, supplying every water company. Part of ELIQUO WATER GROUP, the extensive portfolio includes solutions for wastewater management, wastewater treatment, clean water treatment and surface water management; Mecana PCMF, aeration technologies, CSO screens, flow controls, storm tank flushing and Raw Water Intake Screens. Plus, a sludge treatment portfolio that helps reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet environmental compliance requirements – through systems like ELOVAC® for vacuum degassing, and other integrated technologies in biogas, digestion, dewatering and drying. With established teams in Cornwall, Wolverhampton and Wombwell, ELIQUO HYDROK are well-equipped to support operations – from start to finish; with design, manufacture, management and install capabilities – across the UK and Ireland. This wealth of in-house expertise is backed by a forward-thinking mindset to help customers achieve their long-term goals sustainably; to deliver results in AMP 8 and beyond.

    Treatment Works Products/Services
    Asset Maintenance & Rehabilitation
    Carlow Concrete logo

    Carlow Concrete

    United Kingdom

    Carlow Concrete is a market leader in water retaining precast concrete structures in both the United Kingdom and Ireland. Production at our state of the art plant in the South East of Ireland is carried out using the most modern and innovative methods and equipment, for the quality production of our products ensuring the highest standards of quality and specification compliance are achieved every time. As part of the Burren Precast Concrete Group, the company has the resources and infrastructure to meet the high demands of our customers in relation to quality of service and product. Our organisation benefits from a team with combined expertise of over 100 years in the precast industry. The company has the technical expertise, the flexibility in production methods and the resources to Interpret, Design, Manufacture and Assemble to the highest standards to meet the requirements of its customers, bringing modern methods of construction through the benefits of off-site construction, building information modelling (BIM) and highly experienced installation teams. Our expansive range of products are devised specifically for both water and wastewater projects and are unrivaled in terms of design, quality and ease of installation. Our solutions offer international, national and customer specification compliances and meet all water companies’ asset standards throughout the UK & Ireland. Site installations typically achieve 25% to 50% reduction in programme with fewer people and plant requirements, meaning substantial savings to both preliminary and direct costs. Stormwater attenuation. Flood alleviation. Service reservoirs. Precast filter bed wall and tile system. Activated sludge plant. Final/primary settlement tanks. Retaining walls.

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    Lithium Extraction from Brines and Geothermal Waters: DLE, Evaporation Pond, and Membrane Technologies

    Lithium extraction from brine sources (salt lake brines, geothermal brines, oilfield produced water) uses three main technology families. Traditional solar evaporation ponds (used in Atacama, Bolivia, Argentina) concentrate lithium from 200 to 1,500 mg per L to 60,000 mg per L by 12 to 18 months of evaporation, then recover lithium as lithium carbonate by precipitation. Evaporation ponds require flat, arid terrain with high evaporation rates; they are economically practical only in specific geographies, have high water consumption (evaporating large volumes), and are poorly suited to temperate or humid climates.

    Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies selectively extract lithium from brine without full evaporation, reducing water consumption and project timeline from years to hours or days. DLE technologies include: ion exchange sorbents (lithium manganese oxide (LMO) or lithium iron phosphate (LFP) sorbents with capacity 10 to 30 mg Li per g sorbent, selectivity over Na, K, Mg, Ca above 1,000:1); solvent extraction (ionic liquids or organophosphate extractants); and membrane electrodialysis (LiTAS, bidirectional ion transport). DLE produces a lithium-rich eluate at 1,000 to 5,000 mg per L Li, which is then purified by RO concentration and chemical precipitation to battery-grade lithium carbonate (99.5 percent purity minimum) or lithium hydroxide.

    Water management is central to lithium brine projects. Brine extraction affects regional groundwater and surface water hydrology; environmental impact assessment must quantify brine reinjection volumes and quality, and surface water level changes. Geothermal brine DLE (Salton Sea region, California; Vulcan Energy, Germany) extracts lithium from hot brines (150 to 300 degrees C, 200 to 400 mg per L Li) already brought to surface for power generation, then reinjects the depleted brine - a zero-net-surface-impact model. Freshwater use for DLE sorbent washing and chemical processing is 10 to 50 times lower per tonne of lithium than solar evaporation. Regulatory frameworks for brine extraction differ globally: US requires NEPA environmental review; Chile and Argentina require lithium production quota agreements.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) and how does it differ from evaporation ponds?

    Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) selectively removes lithium from brine using sorbents, ion exchange resins, membranes, or solvent extraction without concentrating the entire brine by evaporation. DLE advantages: (1) Speed - hours to days vs 12 to 18 months for evaporation; (2) Recovery rate - 80 to 90 percent vs 40 to 50 percent for evaporation ponds; (3) Water savings - 80 to 95 percent less freshwater consumed; (4) Geography independence - works in humid climates where evaporation is insufficient; (5) Selectivity - produces lithium concentrate directly, avoiding co-precipitation of impurities that complicate downstream processing. Trade-offs: DLE capital cost is higher than simple evaporation ponds, and sorbent regeneration requires acid or hot water, adding operating cost. Technology readiness levels vary: ion exchange sorbents (most mature, commercial deployments), solvent extraction (commercial in some applications), electrodialysis (pilot to demonstration scale).

    What water quality is needed for lithium extraction processing?

    DLE sorbent performance is sensitive to feedwater quality: high concentrations of competing divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+) reduce lithium selectivity and sorbent capacity. Mg:Li ratio is a key brine quality metric: below 10:1 is suitable for most DLE technologies; above 40:1 (common in Atacama southern zones) requires pre-treatment by nanofiltration (rejects Mg2+ at 90 to 98 percent while passing Li+ at 20 to 50 percent selectivity, reducing Mg:Li ratio). Suspended solids must be below 1 to 5 mg per L to prevent sorbent fouling (pre-filtration by multimedia filter or cartridge filter). Fe, Mn, and silica must be controlled (below 0.1 mg per L Fe and Mn; below 20 mg per L SiO2) to prevent precipitation on sorbent surfaces during the high-pH elution step. Process water for sorbent washing (typically deionised or RO water) must be very low in lithium itself to prevent back-dilution of the eluate.

    What are the environmental impacts of lithium brine extraction?

    Water-related environmental impacts: (1) Brine aquifer drawdown - extraction of lithium brine reduces aquifer levels; inadequate reinjection volumes can lower shallow freshwater table and affect wetland ecosystems. Atacama wetlands supporting flamingo populations are under study for impacts from lithium brine extraction. (2) Surface water diversion - water used in brine processing (washing, chemical processing) diverts freshwater from water-scarce regions; Chilean DGA (water authority) regulates freshwater use in mining. (3) Evaporation pond area - ponds covering tens of km2 affect local hydrology and habitats. (4) Chemical contamination risk - acid and base reagents used in DLE processing require bunded storage and secondary containment. Responsible mining frameworks (Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance, IRMA) and IFC Performance Standards require social and environmental management plans, water balance studies, and stakeholder engagement with local indigenous communities.

    Can lithium be extracted from seawater?

    Seawater contains 0.17 mg per L Li (compared to 200 to 1,500 mg per L in Atacama brines), making direct extraction from seawater energetically and economically challenging with current technologies. LMO sorbents can selectively adsorb lithium from seawater, but the dilute concentration requires processing enormous volumes (approximately 5,900 m3 seawater per kg Li vs approximately 2 m3 brine per kg Li for Atacama operations). Energy consumption is 30 to 60 times higher per tonne of lithium vs brine DLE. Research is active in Japan and South Korea (island nations with limited terrestrial lithium deposits) using combined desalination + lithium extraction systems to extract lithium from seawater concentrate (brine reject from SWRO plants, containing 0.34 mg per L Li, approximately twice seawater). No commercial seawater lithium extraction plant operates as of 2026; demonstration scale projects have been reported in China and Japan.

    Case Study·Geothermal energy and critical minerals
    Challenge

    A geothermal energy developer in Cornwall (United Kingdom) co-producing hot brine at 180 degrees C from deep granite aquifers sought to evaluate lithium extraction from the brine as a secondary revenue stream. Brine lithium concentration was 220 mg per L with high competing cation concentrations (Mg:Li ratio of 6:1, Na concentration 14,000 mg per L). The developer needed to demonstrate commercial viability to investors before committing to a pilot plant.

    Approach

    Conducted a DLE sorbent feasibility study: laboratory-scale LMO sorbent columns were run with synthetic brine at site concentrations to determine equilibrium lithium capacity, selectivity over Mg and Na, and acid elution characteristics. Scaled the laboratory data to a 50 L per hr pilot plant design with a cost model for a full commercial DLE unit co-located with the geothermal power plant, using waste heat from the geothermal cycle for sorbent drying.

    Outcome

    LMO sorbent achieved 88 percent lithium selectivity over magnesium at site Mg:Li ratio, with sorbent capacity of 18 mg Li per g. Pilot plant design projected lithium recovery of 75 percent from 200 m3 per day of brine, yielding 3.3 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent per year. The cost model demonstrated positive NPV over 10 years at lithium carbonate prices above 12,000 USD per tonne, providing investor confidence for pilot plant funding.

    Questions to Ask Shortlisted Providers

    1. 1

      What DLE technology do you propose for our specific brine chemistry, and has the technology been validated at pilot or commercial scale on brines with a similar Mg:Li ratio and competing cation profile?

      DLE technology performance is highly sensitive to brine chemistry. An LMO sorbent validated on Atacama brine (Mg:Li 6:1) may perform very differently from oilfield produced water (Mg:Li 200:1). Ask for laboratory treatability data or pilot plant results using brine samples from your specific source, not from reference brines with different chemistry. Technology readiness level matters too: commercial vs pilot vs laboratory validation represents very different project risk.

    2. 2

      What are the water management requirements for DLE sorbent washing, and how will the wash water volume and quality affect the site water balance?

      DLE sorbent washing (to elute lithium and regenerate the sorbent) requires low-lithium water, typically deionised or RO permeate at very low lithium concentration. For a site in a water-stressed region, the wash water volume (typically 3 to 8 m3 per kg of lithium recovered) must be factored into the site water balance and abstraction licence. DLE processes that are self-described as 'low water' must quantify this precisely for your brine composition.

    3. 3

      What lithium product specification does the downstream market require, and does the proposed DLE process reliably achieve that specification?

      Battery-grade lithium carbonate requires above 99.5 percent purity with strict limits on Mg, Na, K, Ca, B, and Fe impurities. DLE eluate contains elevated concentrations of competing ions that must be removed by downstream purification (crystallisation, recrystallisation, nanofiltration). A DLE process that produces 97 percent purity lithium carbonate cannot access the battery precursor market and is worth significantly less per tonne. Confirm the downstream purification steps and the achievable product specification.

    4. 4

      What regulatory approvals are required for brine extraction at our site, and how long will the permitting process take?

      Brine extraction from deep geological formations in the UK requires an environmental permit from the Environment Agency for any dewatering above 20 m3 per day, and may require planning consent for surface processing facilities. In Chile and Argentina, lithium brine extraction is subject to national resource regulation and indigenous community consultation requirements. The permitting timeline (typically 12 to 36 months for a new brine extraction operation) is often the critical path item for project development.

    5. 5

      What is the projected price sensitivity of the business case, and at what lithium carbonate price does the project become unviable?

      Lithium carbonate prices have ranged from 5,000 USD per tonne to 80,000 USD per tonne over the 2018 to 2026 period, with extreme volatility driven by EV demand and supply cycles. A DLE project with a breakeven price above 15,000 USD per tonne has significant economic risk given the price cycles observed. Ask for the full economic model sensitivity table, showing IRR and NPV at lithium prices from 10,000 to 30,000 USD per tonne.

    What Drives Cost in This Category

    Brine lithium concentration and Mg:Li ratio

    DLE sorbent capital and operating cost per tonne of lithium recovered is inversely proportional to brine lithium concentration. Processing 100 mg per L Li brine requires twice the sorbent volume and twice the brine throughput versus 200 mg per L Li brine for the same output. High Mg:Li ratios (above 50:1) require nanofiltration pre-treatment to reduce Mg, adding 30 to 50 percent to capital cost and 20 to 40 percent to operating cost.

    DLE technology type and sorbent regeneration chemistry

    Single-use sorbent IX systems (sorbent discarded after one cycle, no regeneration): lowest capital cost but highest operating cost (sorbent 10,000 to 50,000 GBP per tonne, consumption 5 to 20 kg per tonne Li). Regenerable sorbents (LMO, LFP): moderate capital, low consumable cost, but require acid for regeneration and produce acid waste. CSTR (continuous stirred tank reactor) sorbent systems have lower capital than column systems but require solid-liquid separation equipment.

    Downstream purification to battery-grade specification

    DLE eluate purification to battery-grade lithium carbonate (above 99.5 percent purity) requires crystallisation, washing, and drying steps. Capital cost for a 1,000 tonne per year LCE downstream purification plant: 5 to 20 million GBP. Operating cost: 1,500 to 4,000 USD per tonne of LCE in energy, chemicals, and labour. This downstream cost is often underestimated in early project evaluations focused on the DLE extraction step only.

    Brine disposal and water balance

    Depleted brine after lithium extraction retains most of its original TDS (removing lithium at 200 mg per L from a 30,000 mg per L TDS brine reduces TDS by less than 1 percent). Brine must be reinjected to a permitted geological formation or managed as liquid waste. Reinjection well construction: 500,000 to 3,000,000 GBP per well. Failure to secure a reinjection permit before committing to a DLE plant makes the project unviable in inland locations.

    Key Regulations & Standards

    Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 -- Brine Extraction and Reinjection

    Extraction of brine from geological formations in England requires an environmental permit from the Environment Agency under EPR 2016 (mining waste and groundwater activities). Reinjection of depleted brine requires a separate groundwater activity permit specifying the permitted volume, injection zone, and monitoring requirements. The EA's groundwater protection policy (GP3) applies to all groundwater activities; injection of brine above 200 mg per L total dissolved solids into chalk or sandstone aquifers may be restricted under aquifer vulnerability criteria.

    UK REACH -- Lithium Compounds in Downstream Processing

    UK REACH (retained EU REACH Regulation) requires registration of chemical substances manufactured or imported above 1 tonne per year, including lithium compounds (lithium chloride, lithium carbonate, lithium hydroxide) produced at or imported to a UK processing facility. DLE project developers must confirm REACH registration status for all produced lithium compounds and for sorbent regeneration acids and bases used on site. Lithium is not currently an SVHC but regulatory status is subject to review.

    Planning Permission -- Mining and Mineral Extraction

    DLE surface processing facilities (sorbent columns, brine storage tanks, downstream crystallisation plant) require full planning permission from the local planning authority under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. Facilities on sites already permitted for geothermal energy or mining may be covered by existing planning consents, but material changes to site footprint or process chemistry typically require a planning amendment. Environmental Impact Assessment under the Town and Country Planning (EIA) Regulations 2017 is required for developments above specified thresholds.

    Environment Act 2021 -- Critical Minerals Strategy and Resource Security

    The UK Government's Critical Minerals Strategy (2023) designates lithium as a critical mineral for net-zero transition. The Environment Act 2021 and associated planning policy supports domestic critical mineral production, including streamlining environmental permitting for demonstrably low-impact extraction projects. UKRI Faraday Battery Challenge and Innovate UK funds are available for DLE pilot projects in the UK, reducing early-stage capital requirements and de-risking technology validation.

    Explore Related Categories

    Brine & Resource Recovery

    Brine Valorization CompaniesBrine Treatment CompaniesWater Resource Recovery Companies

    Enabling Technologies

    Ion Exchange System CompaniesMembrane Filtration CompaniesElectrochemical Water Treatment Companies

    Key Industries

    Mining Wastewater Treatment CompaniesChemical & Petrochemical Water Treatment Companies

    Browse the full provider directory

    Comparing lithium extraction from water companies is one slice of a larger shortlisting decision. Explore the complete directory of wastewater treatment companies, then filter by region, sector, and technology before you request scoped proposals.

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