Lithium extraction breakthrough a huge step towards a greener future

Monash University spinout company ElectraLith, backed by Rio Tinto, IP Group, and Monash Investment Holdings, has developed a Direct Lithium Extraction and Refining (DLE-R) technology that produces battery-grade lithium hydroxide without using water or chemicals, and with minimal energy. This breakthrough, based on research by Professor Huanting Wang from the Faculty of Engineering, addresses the urgent global demand to reduce the economic and environmental costs of lithium production, a key component in clean energy solutions.

Scientist working in lab

The technology is set to be trialed at Rio Tinto's Rincon Project in Argentina in 2026.

Read the full article in Monash News

Related SDGs

SDG 9 Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production SDG 13 Climate Action