Aquatech lithium extraction technology acquisition reshapes North American DLE landscape

Aquatech

Aquatech lithium extraction technology is moving centre-stage after the company acquired Koch Technology Solutions' DLE business. The Aquatech lithium extraction technology acquisition includes core intellectual property and the Lithium Selective Sorption (LSS) platform. As a result, Aquatech lithium extraction technology now anchors a full end-to-end flowsheet for brine-to-battery lithium materials.

Aquatech lithium extraction technology now spans full brine-to-battery flowsheets

Aquatech acquired Koch Technology Solutions’ direct lithium extraction business, including all associated intellectual property. The deal transfers every current LSS-based project, along with licences, agreements and performance guarantees. However, financial terms remain undisclosed, reflecting competitive sensitivity in the emerging DLE space.

The LSS technology targets selective lithium recovery from complex brines, improving yields and reducing impurities. Therefore, Aquatech can integrate front-end extraction with its existing strengths in water treatment and process systems. This combination positions Aquatech lithium extraction technology as a modular platform for new projects worldwide.

Aquatech now markets a full lithium processing flowsheet, from extraction and purification to refining and high-purity products. That end-to-end scope will matter for project developers and financiers seeking single-partner risk allocation. It also supports standardisation of designs across different brine chemistries and regulatory environments.

Smackover Lithium deal showcases commercial scale ambitions

A flagship reference for the LSS platform is Smackover Lithium’s South West Arkansas project. Under the transferred agreement, LSS technology underpins plans to produce 22,500 t/yr of lithium carbonate from 2028. This project gives Aquatech an important commercial-scale showcase in the competitive Smackover brine province.

Meanwhile, the acquisition consolidates scattered DLE know-how into a more integrated offering. Project sponsors increasingly want proven technology partners with delivery track records and bankable guarantees. As developers move from pilots to commercial plants, Aquatech lithium extraction technology will be judged on uptime, recoveries and operating costs.

The deal also underscores the growing convergence between water treatment and mineral processing. DLE projects require complex brine management, reinjection and environmental control. Aquatech’s legacy water and process technology business provides an operational bridge between these domains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Aquatech’s move shows that DLE is no longer a niche R&D theme but a contested industrial platform. By absorbing KTS’ LSS portfolio, Aquatech becomes a more credible partner for Smackover and other brine developers seeking bankable flowsheets. The next test will be whether early projects can deliver nameplate volumes on time and at competitive unit costs.

Smackover Lithium Aims for Production in 2028

Smackover Lithium

Smackover Lithium aims for production in 2028 and targets first-of-its-kind US DLE output. The Standard Lithium–Equinor venture plans 22,500 t/yr of battery-grade lithium carbonate in South West Arkansas. Therefore, Smackover Lithium aims for production in 2028 as it advances permitting, engineering, and financing. The project forecasts average cash operating costs of $4,516/t.

First US commercial DLE project and licensed technology

The project will be the first commercial direct lithium extraction operation in the US. It is licensed to Koch Technology Solutions’ Lithium Selective Sorption process with performance guarantees. As a result, the venture expects consistent recoveries and lower reagent intensity. Meanwhile, the Smackover formation offers brine rich in lithium, bromine, and hydrocarbons. The brine setting supports modular plants and short ramp timelines. Importantly, Smackover Lithium aims for production in 2028 using proven pilot data.

Resource base and market positioning

The updated measured and indicated resource stands at 1.18mn t LCE in the Upper Smackover. It also includes 278,000 t LCE in the Middle Smackover area. Therefore, the JV underpins multi-phase expansion potential beyond nameplate. The output would supply US battery supply chains and reduce import dependence. Furthermore, domestic IRA-aligned sourcing may improve project economics and offtake interest.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This JV marries upstream brine access with licensed DLE technology and oil-and-gas execution. Watch offtake, power costs, and wellfield performance for capex discipline and schedule risk. If costs hold near $4,516/t, the project could sit low on the US cost curve.