On June 10, POSCO Holdings signed a cooperation agreement with Australian resource development firm Anson Resources at the POSCO Center in Seoul to build and operate a DLE demonstration plant in the Green River area of Utah.
DLE is a technology that allows for the economical production of lithium from low-concentration lithium brine, offering higher recovery rates and shorter production times compared to traditional evaporation methods. It is gaining attention as a key technology for the next generation of the global lithium industry.
Under this agreement, POSCO Holdings will verify the commercial viability of the DLE demonstration plant's design, construction, and operation in the U.S. Anson Resources will handle site selection, infrastructure, and brine supply, as well as manage the permitting process for the plant using its local network.
Since 2016, POSCO Holdings has been developing DLE technology and has conducted pilot tests on brines from various regions, including Argentina, accumulating expertise in process design and operations.
This pilot project marks the first instance of POSCO Holdings validating its independently developed DLE technology in the global market, representing a significant starting point for confirming the commercial viability of next-generation lithium production technologies.
POSCO Holdings aims to complete and operate the demonstration plant by 2027, with plans to finalize technology verification using actual brine by 2028, establishing a foundation for commercialization.
Industry experts view this pilot as part of POSCO Holdings' broader strategy to expand its global lithium value chain, beyond mere technology verification. The company is currently securing raw materials through its lithium brine project in Argentina and investments in lithium mines in Australia. If successful in commercializing DLE technology, POSCO Holdings is expected to significantly enhance its competitiveness across the lithium supply chain, from resource development to material production.
"This pilot project is a strategic investment to proactively secure next-generation technology and gain a foothold in the global lithium market," said POSCO Holdings CEO Lee Joo-tae. "We will further strengthen our competitiveness in the global lithium business, particularly in North America, based on our unique technological edge."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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