19.2 C
Manchester
Sunday, April 27, 2025
BusinessDeep Tech Manchester Based Watercycle to Produce Lithium From Italian Brines

Deep Tech Manchester Based Watercycle to Produce Lithium From Italian Brines

Watercycle Technologies Ltd (‘Watercycle’ or ‘the Company’) signs agreement with Energia Minerals (Italia) Srl to test Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallization system on Italian geothermal lithium barring brines

Manchester based Watercycle Technologies Ltd, a deep tech company targets developing sustainable, high-yield, low-cost, mineral extraction and water treatment systems has signed an agreement (‘the Agreement’) with Energia Minerals (Italia) (‘Energia’) Srl, a subsidiary of ASX listed Altamin Limited, to produce lithium carbonate from Energia’s Galería EL geothermal brine projects in the Lazio Region of central Italy utilising Watercycle’s proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallisation (‘DLEC’) technology.

Watercycle’s patented filtration process is proven to be able to selectively extract lithium from sub-surface waters/brines and is currently already being piloted in tandem with Cornish Lithium in the South West of England. Its DLEC process is capable of treating a wide range of water types and can deliver dramatic reductions in costs, carbon emissions and water consumption compared with current processes.

Under the terms of the Agreement Watercycle will test the brines extracted from a borehole in Italy and once the composition is understood, dedicated membranes will be fabricated by the team based on the chemistry of the water. Watercycle will then process a quantity of the brine using its DLEC process.  Analysis of the composition of the lithium-rich solution that is produced from the process as well as the composition of the de-lithiated brine will then be undertaken. Watercycle will then process the lithium-rich solution to produce lithium carbonate salts, a key differentiator in its process compared to standard DLE practises.  This lithium carbonate salt will then be characterised to gather structural and chemical information as well as the chemical purity and recovery rate of the lithium salt.  If successful, the two parties will examine the potential for initiating large scale pilot testing in Italy.

Watercycle CEO Dr Seb Leaper said, “We are delighted to be working with Energia Minerals who have recognised the potential of our unique approach to lithium extraction from brines. This agreement is a further validation of our proprietary membranes and processes which are gaining increasing traction both nationally and internationally. Each brine has different characteristics, and it is part of our development model to test multiple brines to further prove the efficacy of our technology and provide leading edge, sustainable solutions for lithium and critical mineral extraction from them.”

 Watercycle co-founder and CTO Dr Ahmed Abdelkarim added, “Our technology has taken years of development both within the University of Manchester and now within Watercycle, the vehicle that is advancing its development and implementing the commercialisation strategy.  We are not only successfully partnering with lithium brine developers but also making fantastic headway in the extraction of multiple critical minerals including cobalt and graphite from spent batteries and the utilisation of our processes in desalination, critical in today’s world where water shortages are being becoming more pronounced.  I look forward to announcing further progress as we rapidly develop the business and deliver commercial but sustainable solutions to the mineral extraction market.” 

Olivia McHugh
Olivia McHugh
Staff writer
Latest

Vehicle crime in Greater Manchester down 27 per cent, reports show

Vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester has seen a reduction of 27 per cent, according to new figures. During September 2023 and March 2024, Greater Manchester...

Advance train tickets now available on TransPennine Express machines

Advance train tickets are now available for customers to buy using TransPennine Express (TPE) ticket machines. Advance train tickets are single, one-way tickets purchased in advance...

Planning pressures pushing firms to the brink, property expert warns

Planning pressures set UK developers up for failure, pushing more firms to the brink, Landwood warns. UK developers are abandoning unfinished projects as cashflow pressures...

DVLA bans more than 500 new number plates

A Freedom of Information request made by private plate supplier Regtransfers reveals the banned number plates from the forthcoming  ‘75’ release. These latest plates will...
Subscribe to our newsletter
Business Manchester will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.
Don't miss

Cellcycle and Kerry Logistics Partner to Strengthen Sustainable Battery Supply Chain in the UK

UK-based battery recycling expert Cellcycle, part of the SER Group, has signed a Mutual Cooperation Agreement with Kerry Logistics (UK), a member of the...

Switch Roles Unveiled: The Job Board Changing How Retail Recruits

Retail and hospitality recruitment is being reimagined with the arrival of Switch Roles, a next-generation platform built by those who know the industry inside...

Vehicle crime in Greater Manchester down 27 per cent, reports show

Vehicle-related crime across Greater Manchester has seen a reduction of 27 per cent, according to new figures. During September 2023 and March 2024, Greater Manchester...

Police appeal following serious assault in Bramhall

Detectives are seeking the public’s help with enquires after a serious assault took place in a bar in Stockport. Sometime around 12.40am on April 19,...

More News

Switch Roles Unveiled: The Job Board Changing How Retail Recruits

Retail and hospitality recruitment is being reimagined with the arrival of Switch Roles, a next-generation platform built by those who know the industry inside...

Cellcycle and Kerry Logistics Partner to Strengthen Sustainable Battery Supply Chain in the UK

UK-based battery recycling expert Cellcycle, part of the SER Group, has signed a Mutual Cooperation Agreement with Kerry Logistics (UK), a member of the...

Giant creative tech campus to launch in June

Campfield - a ground breaking creative tech campus that aims to change the workspace landscape in Manchester - is being launched in June. Located in...