E3 Lithium secures Alberta approvals for Clearwater phase two, advancing drilling, DLE integration, and commercial facility plans toward lithium production.
Canadian lithium development company E3 Lithium has achieved a significant milestone in advancing its Clearwater Project with the receipt of required permit approvals for phase two of the Clearwater Demonstration Facility. These approvals were granted by the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), marking an important step forward in the company’s efforts to establish a commercial-scale lithium production process in Alberta. The news follows the ongoing commissioning of phase one, which has already brought the project closer to validating its direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology.
Phase two will centre on drilling both a production well and an injection well, aimed at assessing the Leduc Aquifer’s reservoir characteristics and flow rates. The results from this evaluation will play a pivotal role in shaping the design of the commercial well system, the associated gathering network, and the required treatment equipment for a large-scale facility. Once the wells are completed, they will be integrated with the existing 30-column DLE system and purification units established during phase one. This integration is expected to deliver a full brine-to-battery-grade lithium carbonate processing system, marking a crucial step in moving from demonstration to commercial readiness.
E3 Lithium has stated that it is preparing to launch its drilling programme in early to mid-October, following the conclusion of commissioning activities for phase one. The AER has granted several authorisations, including approval for a mineral scheme under Directive 065, which covers the subsurface injection of produced fluids. Additional approvals have been received for mineral wells and a mineral facility under Directive 056, ensuring that the technical and licensing requirements for operation are met.
E3 Lithium’s president and CEO, Chris Doornbos, welcomed the approvals, saying: “We are thrilled to see the permits granted for Phase 2 of our Demonstration Facility, including the recently approved Directive 065, and look forward to launching the drill programme to kick off the next phase of technology demonstration.”
Importantly, these permits are not only vital for the demonstration facility but are also mandatory for the operation of any commercial-scale lithium facility in Alberta. They are the first of their kind issued under the province’s Brine-Hosted Mineral Resources regulations, highlighting the regulatory and technical significance of the project.
In parallel, E3 Lithium is finalising its Directive 056 application for its commercial facility. This will be submitted alongside a required application under Alberta’s Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, ensuring environmental compliance as the project transitions toward large-scale development.
Earlier this year, in July 2025, the company announced the delivery of key equipment to the Clearwater site. This equipment supports the 30-column DLE system and will be critical for both phases of the demonstration and testing programme. With permits secured and drilling preparations underway, E3 Lithium is moving steadily toward its goal of commercialising lithium production in Canada and contributing to the growing battery materials supply chain.
