A new technology to extract lithium from brine has been developed by Albemarle, a major manufacturer and distributer of specialty chemicals for consumer electronics, packaging, construction, petroleum refining, automotive and pharmaceuticals industries.
The proprietary technology will enable Albemarle to recover lithium from brines at its bromine facility in Magnolia, Arkansas. The extracted lithium will be used to manufacture lithium carbonate. The current global market for lithium chemical products is anticipated to reach $1.2 billion by 2015 due to rising demand for electrical vehicle batteries.
Albemarle has effectively manufactured lithium carbonate in a laboratory using brine and the newly developed lithium recovery technology. The company has planned to maximize the production process by operating a pilot plant.
At present, more than 70% of lithium demand in the U.S. is met via imports. Hence, there is a need for domestic production and Albemarle is confident that it will meet the current requirement with the help of the new technology.