POSCO Holdings has taken a significant step in strengthening its global supply chain for secondary battery materials by pioneering direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology in North America, marking the first such trial by a domestic company.
On June 30 (local time), POSCO Holdings announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Australia’s resource development company, Anson Resources, to construct and operate a demo plant for the DLE technology at a lithium brine site within Green River City, Utah, United States.
This demonstration project represents the first direct validation of POSCO Holdings’ independently developed DLE technology on North American soil. The project aims not only to secure lithium resources but also to bolster the competitiveness of its next-generation battery material business. The demo plant is scheduled to break ground next year.
Traditional lithium production relies heavily on solar evaporation in regions with abundant sunlight, which limits supply to specific areas. In contrast, DLE technology enables efficient extraction of lithium from low-concentration brine without large-scale evaporation ponds, making it an essential technology for commercializing lithium resources in areas such as North America.
Since 2016, POSCO Holdings has been developing its DLE technology independently. The demonstration plant in North America will verify its viability and facilitate investment in undeveloped lithium resources in the region. Anson Resources will supply the necessary lithium raw materials and land for the project. Based on the results of the feasibility assessment, the two companies will consider expanding their strategic partnership.
This project aligns with POSCO Group’s core business restructuring strategy, ‘2 Core + New Engine,’ aimed at expanding its supply chain for secondary battery materials.
In addition, POSCO Holdings recently completed plants for lithium brine production in Argentina, with an annual capacity of 25,000 tons, and for hard rock lithium in Yulchon Industrial Complex, South Jeolla Province, with an annual capacity of 43,000 tons, securing a total annual production capacity of 68,000 tons of lithium hydroxide. This capacity is sufficient to supply lithium for approximately 1.6 million electric vehicles.
A POSCO Holdings official stated, “This North American demonstration project marks the first step in applying our proprietary technology on the global stage,” adding, “We will continue to lead efforts to secure next-generation core materials and lithium sovereignty.”
