Cosmos Exploration and Vulcan Energy Begin Testing for Synthetic Lithium Brine Extraction

Cosmos Exploration and Vulcan Energy Resources have commenced testing in Germany for a synthetic lithium brine extraction process, marking a key milestone in their development of an advanced lithium recovery technology. The testing at Vulcan’s facility is the first step in refining extraction parameters before bench- and pilot-scale trials with bulk brine samples.

Vulcan’s proprietary VULSORB Adsorption-Type Direct Lithium Extraction (A-DLE) technology is designed to improve lithium recovery efficiency while reducing water consumption. Cosmos has shipped 5 cubic metres of brine samples from Bolivia to Germany for testing, with synthetic brine trials underway to assess lithium extraction dynamics in a controlled environment. Cosmos executive chair Jeremy Robinson highlighted the importance of this step in validating the feasibility of industrial-scale lithium extraction using A-DLE technology.

In parallel, Vulcan has received approval to conduct seismic surveys for its geothermal heat development project in Ludwigshafen, Germany. This initiative, developed in partnership with BASF, aims to provide baseload heat to BASF’s Verbund site and includes the potential construction of a commercial lithium extraction plant in the region.

Vulcan’s managing director, Cris Moreno, emphasized that securing necessary approvals is a critical step in advancing the geothermal heat and lithium project. The collaboration with BASF aligns with Vulcan’s broader strategy of integrating sustainable energy solutions and lithium extraction, supporting Europe’s transition to green electromobility.