In geothermal plants, lithium-rich frost is pumped to the surface directly from geothermal wells.

Geothermal energy can be used to extract lithium from geothermal brines, providing a sustainable and cost-effective way to produce this valuable metal.

Lithium is a key component in the production of rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, mobile devices, and other electronics.Geothermal brines are naturally occurring underground water sources that are heated by geothermal energy.

These brines often contain dissolved minerals, including lithium, which can be extracted through a process called direct lithium extraction (DLE).

The DLE process involves pumping the geothermal brine to the surface, where it is first treated to remove any impurities. The brine is then fed into specialized membranes that selectively bind to lithium ions, allowing them to be separated from the other minerals. The lithium can then be extracted from the membranes and purified for use in battery production.

Using geothermal energy for direct lithium extraction has several advantages. First, it is a low-carbon and sustainable process, as it uses the heat energy from the earth instead of relying on fossil fuels. This can help to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate climate change. Second, the process can be more cost-effective than traditional lithium extraction methods, as it requires less energy and can be done on a smaller scale.