- Posco becomes the first South Korean company to demonstrate DLE technology in the United States.
- The Utah demonstration plant will support technical validation and future lithium commercialization plans.
South Korea-based Posco Holdings Co., Ltd. has entered into a cooperation agreement with Anson Resources Limited, an Australian resource development company, to establish and operate a direct lithium extraction (DLE) demonstration plant in the Green River region of Utah in the United States. The initiative marks a significant milestone for Posco, making it the first South Korean company to undertake a DLE technology demonstration project in the U.S. Through this collaboration, the company aims to evaluate the commercial viability of its lithium extraction technology by overseeing the design, construction, and operation of the demonstration facility.
Under the agreement, Posco Holdings Co., Ltd. will lead the technical development and operational execution of the project, while Anson Resources Limited will provide the project site, supporting infrastructure, and access to saltwater resources required for the extraction process. In addition, Anson will be responsible for securing the necessary licenses and regulatory approvals needed for plant establishment and operation. The partnership combines Posco’s technology expertise with Anson’s resource development capabilities to advance lithium extraction opportunities in the region.
The demonstration plant is expected to be completed and enter operation in 2027. Following commissioning, Posco plans to conduct extensive technical verification using actual saltwater resources through 2028. The results of these validation activities will help determine the feasibility of large-scale commercialization and establish a foundation for future deployment of the direct lithium extraction technology within the growing battery materials supply chain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of the Posco and Anson Resources demonstration plant in Utah?
The demonstration plant is being developed to evaluate the commercial feasibility of Posco’s direct lithium extraction technology under real operating conditions. Posco will design, build, and operate the facility while Anson Resources will provide the location, infrastructure, saltwater resources, and permitting support. The project is intended to validate the technology using actual saltwater feedstock and generate technical data that can support future large-scale lithium production and commercialization activities.
When will the direct lithium extraction demonstration plant become operational?
The demonstration plant is scheduled for completion and operational readiness in 2027. After commissioning, Posco plans to carry out technical verification activities through 2028 using real saltwater resources from the project area. These validation efforts will help assess process performance, operational reliability, and commercialization potential. Successful results could provide the foundation for broader deployment of the technology and support future lithium supply development for battery-related industries.
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