Dig Deep Unlocking the Potential of Direct Lithium Extraction: A Deep Dive with Cleantech Lithium's Gordon Stein
In this episode, we chat with Gordon Stein, CFO of CleanTech Lithium, whose mission is to be a leading supplier of clean battery-grade lithium for the global energy transition by advancing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, supplying green lithium to the EV and battery manufacturing market.
Gordon has over 30 years of expertise in energy, natural resources, and other sectors in both executive and non-executive director roles. A chartered accountant who has worked with start-ups to major companies, including board roles of six LSE companies. He discusses the history of the company, the DLE process and technology behind CleanTech and financing options for technology companies and the Lithium market in general.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Cleantech Lithium is advancing DLE technology, which allows for the extraction of lithium from brine sources in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner compared to traditional methods like evaporation ponds. This process can extract lithium in just two days, achieving a recovery rate of 99.7%.
- The demand for lithium is projected to increase by 20% to 30% annually, driven by the electric vehicle (EV) market and battery storage needs. This growing demand highlights the importance of developing cleaner and more efficient lithium extraction methods.
- Successful financing for DLE projects requires a strong operational strategy, including demonstrating a viable resource, conducting independent economic studies, and securing government support. Establishing partnerships with car manufacturers and battery producers is also crucial for securing funding.
- The capital markets have become more receptive to DLE technology as successful projects emerge, such as those in Argentina and Germany. Investors are increasingly recognising the economic viability of DLE projects, even in a low lithium price environment.
BEST MOMENTS
"They set up Cleantech with a view of finding assets in Chile where they felt it was a good mining jurisdiction."
"Direct lithium extraction... you can clearly see in every analyst it's going to be a dearth of supply over the course of time."
"We will use 100% renewable power... and we will re-inject the spent brine back into the aquifer area."
"Nobody is going to fund your project unless you've identified and delivered a resource."
"The markets have been skeptical, but I think now they'll start to look."
VALUABLE RESOURCES
Mail: rob@mining-international.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
X: https://twitter.com/MiningRobTyson
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DigDeepTheMiningPodcast
Web: http://www.mining-international.org
This episode is sponsored by Hawcroft, leaders in property risk management since 1992. They offer:
- Insurance risk surveys recognised as an industry standard
- Construction risk reviews
- Asset criticality assessments and more
Working across over 600 sites globally, Hawcroft supports mining, processing, smelting, power, refining, ports, and rail operations. For bespoke property risk management services, visit www.hawcroft.com
GUEST SOCIALS
https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleantechlithium/
https://www.youtube.com/@ctlithium
ABOUT THE HOST
Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first-world to third-world countries from Africa, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace.
CONTACT METHOD
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/
Podcast Description
Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people’s experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics.