Lithium refining developer Saltworks Technologies has partnered with Canadian lithium exploration and development company EMP Metals on Project Aurora, an integrated effort to increase the competitiveness of a lithium brine-to-battery chemicals supply chain in Canada.

Aurora will test a new approach through a complete, continuous-flow lithium refining system from raw brine to battery chemicals. The project aims to simplify lithium production, reduce costs and limit the risk of scaling up.

Saltworks will design, build and operate a modular hub-and-spoke demonstration plant connected to EMP Metals’ horizontal lithium well and brine handling facility. EMP Metals’ Viewfield asset in Saskatchewan will host the demonstration plant spoke, while Saltworks will host the demonstration plant hub.

The wellhead-connected production spokes will convert raw brine into refined and concentrated lithium chloride. The low-volume, lithium-rich solution will then be transported to a central conversion hub to produce battery chemicals.

“To enhance the competitiveness of lithium brine production in North America and Europe, we believe this requires process simplification, cost reduction, and optimization through a complete system view—from brine in the ground to battery chemicals produced,” said Benjamin Sparrow, CEO of Saltworks Technologies. “The goal is to establish a blueprint for repeatable, modular and high-performing distributed lithium plants that can be delivered rapidly and at a lower total installed cost.”

Source: Saltworks Technologies