Aquatech acquires Koch’s Li-Pro DLE business, integrating proven technology into PEARL platform to deliver end-to-end lithium processing solutions worldwide.
Aquatech has announced the acquisition of Koch Technology Solutions’ (KTS) Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) business, marking a major step in strengthening its lithium processing portfolio. This deal brings the Li-Pro™ Lithium Selective Sorption (LSS) technology, along with KTS’ extensive intellectual property portfolio, directly into Aquatech’s PEARL™ process technology platform.
By adding Li-Pro LSS technology, Aquatech now offers a comprehensive solution that spans lithium extraction, purification, and refining. The PEARL platform is positioned as the only commercially proven end-to-end flowsheet for lithium production, capable of delivering high-purity materials required for electric vehicles (EVs) and utility-scale energy storage systems (ESS). With this integration, Aquatech extends its capabilities in process flowsheet design, lithium conversion, and crystallization, making it a leader in complete lithium processing technology.
One of the key advantages of this acquisition lies in the integration of upstream and downstream processing. Aquatech will provide modularized solutions that reduce overall project costs, accelerate development timelines, and improve bankability by lowering technical and financial risks. Under the new framework, Li-Pro LSS will also be made available through technology licensing as part of the PEARL platform’s full flowsheet licensing offerings.
As part of the transaction, all ongoing projects utilizing Li-Pro technology, along with associated licenses, agreements, and guarantees, will transition to Aquatech. This includes the notable Joint Development Agreement (JDA) with Standard Lithium Ltd. in the Smackover Formation. At its demonstration plant, Li-Pro has already achieved more than 12,000 operating cycles and delivered an impressive lithium recovery rate exceeding 95%. Additionally, Aquatech will inherit the licensing agreement with Smackover Lithium, a joint venture between Standard Lithium and Equinor. Their South West Arkansas project—one of the largest in the U.S.—is targeting an initial production capacity of 22,500 tons per year of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2028, with room for significant expansion.
Industry leaders have expressed confidence in the move. Dave Dotson, President of Koch Engineered Solutions, highlighted that KTS has proven the Li-Pro LSS as a viable DLE solution and sees Aquatech as uniquely capable of scaling it competitively for the global market. Garrett Krall, Critical Minerals & Lithium Business Leader at KTS, emphasized that Koch will remain engaged in the sector through investments while ensuring its former customers benefit from Aquatech’s broader solutions.
Aquatech’s Executive Chairman, Venkee Sharma, underlined that fragmented technology offerings have long delayed critical mineral development in the Americas and Europe. By merging Li-Pro into the PEARL platform, Aquatech resolves these inefficiencies, presenting the industry’s only complete, proven flowsheet solution. Sharma also welcomed the Li-Pro team, acknowledging their pioneering contributions and reaffirming Aquatech’s commitment to scaling the technology both as a standalone option and within the PEARL framework.
This acquisition firmly positions Aquatech at the forefront of lithium processing, enabling the accelerated development of cost-effective, high-purity battery materials essential for the energy transition.
