US technology to tap 100,000 tons of lithium for EV batteries and energy storage

The US is set to have access to about 110,000 US tons (100,000 metric tons) of battery-grade lithium over the next decade following a new agreement to produce the critical mineral using advanced lithium extraction technology.

The GET-Lit direct lithium extraction (DLE) and refining technology was developed by Energy Exploration Technologies (EnergyX). The Texas-based firm specializes in lithium extraction and critical mineral production.

On Monday, October 12, EnergyX announced that it signed a binding, 10-year, take-or-pay agreement with Singaporean global commodity trader Trafigura to supply lithium from two major projects in Texas and Chile. The supply will support electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and other industries that depend on battery materials.

The company said commercial production is scheduled to start in 2028. “Offtake agreements are among the most important steps in taking a lithium project from development to production,” Teague Egan, EnergyX founder and CEO, disclosed.

A new extraction method

The US produces about 6,600 US tons (6,000 metric tons) of lithium annually. This accounts for less than one percent of the global production. Moreover, it relies on net imports for more than 50 percent of the lithium it consumes. To address this, EnergyX came up with the GET-Lit direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology.

Backed by more than 150 patents, the approach extracts lithium from mineral-rich brines and refines it into materials suitable for batteries. The novel process works by separating lithium directly from liquid brines.

EnergyX’s Project Black Giant lithium extraction facility in Chile. Credit: EnergyX

EnergyX has already tested the method in labs, pilot facilities, and demonstration plants in the US and Chile. In April 2026, it commissioned its Project Lonestar lithium production plant in Texas, which is the largest DLE lithium production plant in the country.

At the same time, the company is also working on another major lithium project in Chile called Black Giant. It has a planned annual production capacity of around 57,871 US tons (52,500 metric tons).

The two projects will produce different lithium products. Black Giant will supply lithium carbonate, while Project Lonestar will produce lithium hydroxide. Both materials are essential for rechargeable batteries used in EVs and energy storage systems.

Commercial operations

Under the agreement, Trafigura will buy 110,000 US tons (100,000 metric tons) of battery-grade lithium products over the next decade. The deal covers 66 percent of the planned first-phase output from Project Black Giant, as well as 30 percent from Project Lonestar.

Meanwhile, EnergyX is also talking to other potential buyers to secure customers for 80 percent of its planned production. At current lithium prices of about USD 18,100 per US ton (roughly USD 20,000 per metric ton), the deal could generate over USD 2 billion in revenue over its lifetime.

“A long-term purchase commitment from a counterparty of Trafigura’s scale and credit quality shows that the market wants EnergyX’s product,” Egan stressed in a press release. “It also gives lenders and investors the revenue visibility they need before committing capital to commercial construction.”

Battery-grade lithium hydroxide monohydrate made with EnergyX’s proprietary GET-Lit technology. Credit: EnergyX

EnergyX has also secured financial support for its expansion plans. This includes a USD 225 million investment from energy company Eni for Project Black Giant and a USD 690 million letter of intent from the US Export-Import Bank for potential debt financing.

“We are pleased to support EnergyX as it develops its lithium projects in Chile and the US,” Daniel von Arx, Trafigura’s head of battery metals, stated. He added that long-term deals are important for starting production and securing reliable supplies of critical minerals.

Source: https://interestingengineering.com/energy/us-technology-to-tap-100000-tons-of-lithium