SLB achieves breakthrough results in sustainable lithium production

Rhea-AI Summary

SLB has demonstrated a breakthrough in sustainable lithium production at its Nevada plant, integrating direct lithium extraction (DLE), concentration, and conversion technologies. The process produces lithium 500 times faster than conventional methods, using only 10% of the land and significantly less water and chemical reagents. Key achievements include:

- 96% lithium recovery rate from brine, verified independently
- Production of high-purity lithium carbonate or hydroxide
- Flexible output of lithium chloride, carbonate, or hydroxide
- Process completion in hours, compared to 18 months for evaporation methods
- Reduced environmental impact with spent brine returned to its source

This innovative approach positions SLB to accelerate the deployment of commercial-scale facilities for high-quality lithium products, important for the electrification economy.

Positive

• Achieved 96% lithium recovery rate from brine, significantly higher than conventional methods
• Produces lithium 500 times faster than traditional processes
• Uses only 10% of the land required by conventional methods
• Significantly reduces water, energy, and chemical reagent usage
• Flexible production of lithium chloride, carbonate, or hydroxide
• Process completion in hours versus 18 months for evaporation methods
• Potential to acquire 100% ownership interest in the Clayton Valley Project

Negative

• None.

Insights

Chemical Engineer

SLB's breakthrough in lithium production is a game-changer for the industry. The 96% recovery rate is exceptionally high, far surpassing conventional methods. This efficiency, combined with the 500x faster production, could significantly impact the global lithium supply chain. The reduced land use (10% of conventional methods) and lower water consumption address critical environmental concerns in lithium extraction.

The flexibility to produce various lithium products (chloride, carbonate, hydroxide) enhances the technology's market adaptability. However, we need to consider potential challenges in scaling up this technology and its long-term environmental impact, particularly regarding brine reinjection and its effects on local ecosystems.

Environmental Scientist

SLB's approach to lithium extraction represents a significant leap in sustainable mining practices. By reducing land use by 90% and substantially decreasing water consumption, this technology addresses two major environmental concerns associated with lithium production. The rapid processing time - hours instead of months - could lead to reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint.

The brine reinjection process is particularly noteworthy, as it potentially mitigates the risk of groundwater depletion and surface ecosystem disruption. However, long-term studies on the impacts of repeated extraction and reinjection cycles on subsurface geology and hydrology will be crucial. Overall, this technology could set a new standard for environmentally responsible lithium production, important for supporting the growing demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.

Financial Analyst

SLB's innovative lithium production technology could have substantial financial implications for the company and the broader lithium market. The 96% recovery rate and significantly faster production time could lead to higher profit margins and increased market share. This efficiency could potentially lower production costs, making SLB more competitive in the rapidly growing lithium market.

The technology's flexibility to produce various lithium products allows SLB to adapt to market demands, potentially increasing revenue streams. However, investors should consider the capital expenditure required for scaling up this technology and potential regulatory hurdles. If successfully commercialized, this technology could disrupt the lithium market, potentially affecting the valuations of traditional lithium producers. The environmental benefits could also attract ESG-focused investors, potentially boosting SLB's stock value in the long term.

• Nevada demonstration plant integrates direct lithium extraction (DLE), concentration and conversion technologies to sustainably produce lithium at scale
• Integrated technology solution produces lithium from brine 500 times faster than conventional methods while using significantly less land, water and chemical reagents
• Verified results confirm recovery rate of 96% lithium from brine at operational rates

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SLB today announced it has proven its solution for sustainable lithium production at scale at its demonstration plant in Clayton Valley, Nevada, to accelerate responsibly-sourced lithium products to market.

SLB's demonstration plant in Clayton Valley proves its unique integrated approach to produce scalable quantities of lithium in the fastest, most economical and sustainable way for today’s market. (Photo: Business Wire)

The proprietary integrated solution combines SLB’s subsurface expertise with surface engineering of advanced technologies that include direct lithium extraction (DLE). It produces lithium 500 times faster than conventional methods while using only 10 percent of the land. Operating at approximately one tenth the size of a commercial-scale facility, the plant reached a verified recovery rate¹ of 96% lithium from brine.

SLB’s integrated solution is a complete, end-to-end process that includes advanced impurity treatment and concentration technologies to produce high-purity lithium carbonate or hydroxide. The solution also uses significantly less water, energy and fewer chemical reagents in comparison to other DLE-based offerings.

“Lithium is a key enabler of electrification, so we must find ways to accelerate its production without adversely affecting the environment,” said Gavin Rennick, president of SLB’s New Energy business. “SLB’s demonstration plant in Clayton Valley proves our unique integrated approach to produce scalable quantities of lithium in the fastest, most economical and sustainable way for today’s market. This accelerates deployment of viable commercial-scale facilities for high-quality lithium products that are the backbone of our electrification economy.”

The conventional alternative for producing lithium from brine at scale is evaporation. This process not only requires a significant amount of land but also results in massive water loss. Salt, underground minerals and used chemicals are then left at the surface, creating impact on biodiversity and the environment. SLB’s sustainable lithium production solution enhances sustainability by reducing water use. The proprietary process also returns the spent brine, or the brine with a reduced lithium concentration, back to its source after the lithium is processed and separated.

The entire SLB solution, from extracting lithium from brine to converting it to technical-grade lithium carbonate, takes just hours. By comparison, evaporation methods can take up to 18 months and have a much lower recovery rate of 50 percent or less.

Lithium is sold commercially as lithium chloride, used as a feedstock for producing lithium metal; lithium carbonate, used in smartphones and short-range EVs; and lithium hydroxide, used in long-range EV batteries. SLB’s solution is highly flexible and can be adjusted to produce any of these products.

In proving this solution at its pilot plant, SLB completed specific technical milestones allowing it to fully qualify under the earn-in agreement with Pure Energy Minerals Ltd. and, at its option, may acquire 100% ownership interest in the Clayton Valley Project.

1. Recovery rate independently verified by WETLAB-Western Environmental Testing Laboratory of Nevada.

About SLB

SLB (NYSE: SLB) is a global technology company that drives energy innovation for a balanced planet. With a global footprint in more than 100 countries and employees representing almost twice as many nationalities, we work each day on innovating oil and gas, delivering digital at scale, decarbonizing industries, and developing and scaling new energy systems that accelerate the energy transition. Find out more at slb.com.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the U.S. federal securities laws — that is, statements about the future, not about past events. Such statements often contain words such as “expect,” “may,” “can,” “estimate,” “intend,” “anticipate,” “will,” “potential,” “projected" and other similar words. Forward-looking statements address matters that are, to varying degrees, uncertain, such as forecasts or expectations regarding the deployment of, or anticipated benefits of, SLB’s new technologies and partnerships; statements about goals, plans and projections with respect to sustainability and environmental matters; forecasts or expectations regarding energy transition and global climate change; and improvements in operating procedures and technology. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the inability to achieve net-negative carbon emissions goals; the inability to recognize intended benefits of SLB’s strategies, initiatives or partnerships; legislative and regulatory initiatives addressing environmental concerns, including initiatives addressing the impact of global climate change; the timing or receipt of regulatory approvals and permits; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in SLB’s most recent Forms 10-K, 10-Q and 8-K filed with or furnished to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. If one or more of these or other risks or uncertainties materialize (or the consequences of such a development changes), or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release, and SLB disclaims any intention or obligation to update publicly or revise such statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240909767336/en/

Media

Moira Duff – Director of External Communications

SLB

Tel: +1 (713) 375-3407

media@slb.com

Investors

James R. McDonald – SVP of Investor Relations & Industry Affairs

Joy V. Domingo – Director of Investor Relations

SLB

Tel: +1 (713) 375-3535

investor-relations@slb.com

Source: SLB

FAQ

What is SLB's lithium recovery rate at its Nevada demonstration plant?

SLB's demonstration plant in Clayton Valley, Nevada, achieved a verified lithium recovery rate of 96% from brine at operational rates.

How much faster does SLB's lithium production process work compared to conventional methods?

SLB's integrated solution produces lithium 500 times faster than conventional methods, completing the entire process in just hours compared to up to 18 months for evaporation methods.

What environmental benefits does SLB's lithium production technology offer?

SLB's technology uses only 10% of the land required by conventional methods, significantly reduces water and chemical reagent usage, and returns spent brine to its source, minimizing environmental impact.

What types of lithium products can SLB produce with its new technology?

SLB's solution is highly flexible and can be adjusted to produce lithium chloride, lithium carbonate, or lithium hydroxide, catering to various commercial applications including EV batteries and smartphones.