Modular lithium extraction pilot facility launched by Litus for quick and easy setup
Litus' LiNC Pilot Unit Successfully Scaled Up: A Potential Game-Changer in Lithium Extraction
In a significant stride for the lithium extraction industry, Litus has successfully scaled up its innovative one-step lithium extraction system, LiNC. The pilot unit, deployed in the field, has been operating for over 20 months and is capable of scaling up to 500 times per day [1].
Dr. Ghada Nafie, CEO and co-founder of Litus, hailed the successful scale-up as a key milestone and validation step for the LiNC system. She believes that this development could potentially redefine what's possible in lithium extraction and have a significant impact on the industry [2].
LiNC is designed to extract lithium efficiently from low-concentration brines, including those from previously uneconomical sources like oil and gas produced water and geothermal brines [2]. The system requires minimal water and energy, operates with low environmental impact, and boasts up to 99.5% lithium recovery rates and up to 99% rejection in brines as low as 30 ppm [1].
The LiNC pilot unit is a modular system, designed for easy integration into existing infrastructure. This flexibility makes it an attractive solution for various industries seeking to extract lithium economically and sustainably [1].
In addition to the LiNC pilot unit, Litus recently commissioned its in-house nanomaterial production facility in Calgary, Canada. This facility ensures Litus' access to its optimized nanocomposite for each brine, further enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the LiNC system [1].
While the broader lithium market has seen significant production expansions, particularly by Chinese producers and emerging African sources, direct links between LiNC’s deployment and these market dynamics have not been reported [1].
In conclusion, Litus' LiNC is recognized as an innovative single-step extraction process for lithium from low-concentration brines, with demonstrated economic potential. However, detailed advancements, commercial deployments, or performance metrics beyond the successful scale-up have not been publicly detailed in 2025 [2]. Despite this, the successful scale-up of the LiNC pilot unit could potentially redefine the lithium extraction industry.
[1] Litus Press Release, "Litus Announces Successful Scale-Up of LiNC Pilot Unit," [date], [URL] [2] Litus Website, "LiNC: One-Step Lithium Extraction," [date], [URL]
Science and environmental-science play pivotal roles in the LiNC one-step lithium extraction system, as the system requires minimal water and energy, reduces environmental impact, and ensures high lithium recovery rates. Additionally, technology, specifically nanomaterial production, aids Litus in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the LiNC system with the recently commissioned nanomaterial production facility in Calgary, Canada.
