Spatial and Chemical Characterization of Global Lithium Brine Resources
Poster Number
8B
Faculty Mentor Name
Mary Kay Camarillo
Format
Poster Presentation
Research or Creativity Area
Engineering & Computer Science
Abstract
The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is rising as they are a key ingredient in mitigating the impacts of climate change by electrifying the transportation sector and altering energy systems. To ensure supply chain stability, Li-ion is extracted from geological reserves, including hard rock deposits, salt lakes, and subsurface brines. Lithium extraction from mineral ores and concentration of saline water are resource-intensive processes that demand considerable time and water, resulting in a high carbon footprint and environmental degradation. Therefore, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) has emerged as an alternative to evaporative ponds for extracting lithium from brines. DLE utilizes controlled, technology-based processes to ensure less time and water consumption with high Li-ion selectivity. However, the complexity of brine chemistry plays a significant role in lithium selectivity. High Mg2+ ion concentration in brine competes with lithium during the separation process. Current research on DLE facilities indicates that they will generate large amounts of solid waste containing hydroxides of calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and iron, posing substantial environmental risks and necessitating safe disposal.
Therefore, the purpose of this research is to acquire global brine chemistry datasets for key parameters (Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Pb, Zn, Ni, As) to evaluate the resource readiness level for DLE processing. The ratios such as Li/Mg, Li/Ca, and TDS/Li were developed. In addition to evaluating geochemical datasets, a spatial analysis was conducted to analyze lithium supply chain efficiencies. Locations of lithium resources, battery manufacturing facilities, and electric vehicle (EV) sales locations were mapped to examine potential transport distances around the globe.
Results indicate that brines have high Li/Mg and Li/Ca ratios, complicating Li extraction in the DLE process due to high ion concentration in the brines. Moreover, Li-rich brines and the manufacturing locations are not in close proximity, suggesting reliance on long-distance transportation or suggesting that future manufacturing facilities could be located closer to the lithium resources. Hence, by integrating spatial and chemical analyses, this study offers a framework for assessing solids generation potential in lithium extraction processes and gives insights into how supply chains can be optimized to reduce environmental impacts.
Link: file:///C:/Users/abeer/Downloads/CIVL297-Lithium%20Extraction%20Engineering/Assignments/Abstract_html.htm
Location
University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center
Start Date
24-4-2026 11:00 AM
End Date
24-4-2026 2:00 PM
Spatial and Chemical Characterization of Global Lithium Brine Resources
University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center
The global demand for lithium-ion batteries is rising as they are a key ingredient in mitigating the impacts of climate change by electrifying the transportation sector and altering energy systems. To ensure supply chain stability, Li-ion is extracted from geological reserves, including hard rock deposits, salt lakes, and subsurface brines. Lithium extraction from mineral ores and concentration of saline water are resource-intensive processes that demand considerable time and water, resulting in a high carbon footprint and environmental degradation. Therefore, Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) has emerged as an alternative to evaporative ponds for extracting lithium from brines. DLE utilizes controlled, technology-based processes to ensure less time and water consumption with high Li-ion selectivity. However, the complexity of brine chemistry plays a significant role in lithium selectivity. High Mg2+ ion concentration in brine competes with lithium during the separation process. Current research on DLE facilities indicates that they will generate large amounts of solid waste containing hydroxides of calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, and iron, posing substantial environmental risks and necessitating safe disposal.
Therefore, the purpose of this research is to acquire global brine chemistry datasets for key parameters (Li, Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Pb, Zn, Ni, As) to evaluate the resource readiness level for DLE processing. The ratios such as Li/Mg, Li/Ca, and TDS/Li were developed. In addition to evaluating geochemical datasets, a spatial analysis was conducted to analyze lithium supply chain efficiencies. Locations of lithium resources, battery manufacturing facilities, and electric vehicle (EV) sales locations were mapped to examine potential transport distances around the globe.
Results indicate that brines have high Li/Mg and Li/Ca ratios, complicating Li extraction in the DLE process due to high ion concentration in the brines. Moreover, Li-rich brines and the manufacturing locations are not in close proximity, suggesting reliance on long-distance transportation or suggesting that future manufacturing facilities could be located closer to the lithium resources. Hence, by integrating spatial and chemical analyses, this study offers a framework for assessing solids generation potential in lithium extraction processes and gives insights into how supply chains can be optimized to reduce environmental impacts.
Link: file:///C:/Users/abeer/Downloads/CIVL297-Lithium%20Extraction%20Engineering/Assignments/Abstract_html.htm
