JordProxa has been selected as the technology and equipment partner for Lilac Solutions’ Phase 1 commercial lithium carbonate project at Utah’s Great Salt Lake, marking an important step in the development of a new domestic source of battery-grade lithium in the United States. Lilac Solutions, a leader in direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, aims to produce 5,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of battery-grade lithium carbonate during the first phase of the project, with initial production targeted for 2028. A planned second phase is expected to increase overall production capacity to 20,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
Under the agreement, JordProxa will deliver the complete downstream conversion technology and equipment package for the Phase 1 facility, along with performance guarantees. Its processing system will transform lithium sulfate eluate, generated through Lilac’s proprietary ion exchange (IX) extraction technology, into high-purity battery-grade lithium carbonate. The conversion process will involve several key stages, including evaporation, carbonation, dissolution, and crystallization, ensuring the final product meets battery industry quality standards.
The partnership follows extensive testing and engineering work carried out during the Front-End Engineering and Design Level 3 (FEL-3) phase. During this stage, JordProxa successfully processed lithium-rich eluate obtained directly from Great Salt Lake brine and consistently produced battery-grade lithium carbonate, validating the commercial viability of the integrated process.
Lilac Solutions CEO Raef Sully stated that JordProxa’s proven expertise in evaporation and crystallization technologies, combined with its successful performance during the engineering phase, made the company the ideal partner for this critical part of the project. He emphasized that the collaboration provides confidence in delivering reliable commercial-scale lithium production.
JordProxa Managing Director Paul Browne highlighted that the Great Salt Lake represents a significant lithium resource and noted that combining Lilac’s innovative direct lithium extraction technology with JordProxa’s established downstream processing expertise creates a strong foundation for sustainable commercial production. He expressed confidence in the project's ability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate efficiently.
Lilac’s fifth-generation ion exchange technology extracts lithium directly from lake brine while returning lithium-depleted brine back to the lake in equal volume. This non-consumptive process helps preserve water levels and minimizes environmental impact. In 2025, the company completed a seven-month pilot operation that achieved an average lithium recovery rate of 87% from ultra-low-grade brine containing only 70 mg/L of lithium. Independent third-party verification confirmed both the technology’s operational performance and its compliance with environmental standards.
With major engineering and technology partners now secured, Lilac Solutions is progressing toward construction and aims to become one of the first U.S. lithium brine projects to reach a final investment decision. The project also strengthens JordProxa’s expanding portfolio of lithium and critical minerals processing projects across North America, South America, Europe, and Australia, supporting the global supply of sustainable battery materials.
Impact on Product and Chemical Commodity Prices
The partnership is expected to strengthen future supplies of battery-grade lithium carbonate, supporting the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets. Although commercial production is scheduled for 2028, the project improves long-term confidence in U.S. domestic lithium availability and reduces dependence on imported battery materials. For chemical commodities tracked by ChemAnalyst, the announcement is unlikely to affect lithium carbonate prices immediately because no near-term production enters the market. However, over the medium to long term, additional supply from the Great Salt Lake project could ease supply constraints, improve regional availability, and exert moderate downward pressure on lithium carbonate prices while supporting stable battery material supply chains.
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