CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, OTCQX:CTLHF) said its pilot plant in Chile is successfully producing lithium chloride eluate through its direct lithium extraction (DLE) process.
Having completed its commissioning phase, the operation is processing brine from the Laguna Verde project, putting it among a select group of companies in the lithium sector capable of producing 'meaningful quantities' of battery-grade lithium at pilot scale.
CleanTech's facility boasts a design capacity of one tonne per month of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) as concentrated eluate, which is set to be shipped in batches to North America for further processing.
As well as proving the production methodology, the initiative will contribute valuable data to the pre-feasibility study (PFS) of Laguna Verde, a hypersaline lake covering 15.2 square kilometres that is expected to go into production in 2026.
By providing product samples to potential strategic partners, including major auto and battery manufacturers, the company is laying the groundwork for future off-take agreements, underscoring its commitment to advancing sustainable lithium extraction technologies.
"The pilot plant positions CTL as a leader in the sector and in Chile, with first eluate production representing a significant milestone for the company," said CEO Aldo Boitano.