Arizona Lithium (ASX: AZL) is making big moves in the lithium space, teaming up with Koch Technology Solutions (KTS) to deploy the largest Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) unit Koch has ever built. This commercial-scale “quad pod” Li-Pro unit will be installed at the Prairie Project in Saskatchewan later this year, marking a major milestone for both companies.
Why This Matters
This is the first commercial-scale production at Prairie and a huge leap forward for oil-field brine lithium extraction. Testing of Prairie’s brine with Koch’s Li-Pro technology delivered exceptional results—98% lithium retention and 99% rejection of impurities like calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium.
The deal de-risks the project and sets the stage for scaling up, with plans to replicate Li-Pro units at Pad #1 before expanding to Pad #2, Pad #3, and beyond. Arizona Lithium is positioning Prairie as a major supplier of battery-grade lithium carbonate to the booming North American and Asian EV battery markets.
Phase 1: Commercial Production Begins
The first Li-Pro unit, arriving Q2 2025, will process 1,000 cubic meters of brine per day, producing 150 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). This will help validate the process under real-world conditions and provide battery-grade lithium for testing by potential buyers in Asia and North America.
Arizona Lithium Managing Director Paul Lloyd called this a major step forward:
“Partnering with Koch, a global leader in DLE innovation, helps solidify AZL’s position as a pioneer in lithium extraction from oil-field brines. This is a game-changer for the Prairie Project and the lithium industry as a whole.”
Scaling Up: What’s Next?
With Phase 1 as proof of concept, Phase 2 will see additional DLE units added at Pad #1 to boost production. Phase 3 will expand operations to Pad #2, Pad #3, and future locations—rapidly scaling Prairie into one of the largest DLE facilities in the world.
KTS Strategic Accounts Director Patrick O’Hern emphasized the significance of this launch:
“This is the biggest DLE system we’ve ever built, and it’s an exciting milestone for both KTS and the lithium industry. We look forward to working with Arizona Lithium to push the boundaries of commercial-scale lithium production.”
With Koch’s cutting-edge tech and Arizona Lithium’s ambitious growth plan, Prairie is shaping up to be a key player in the global lithium supply chain.
