YPF Tecnología S.A. (Y-TEC), the technology arm of Argentina's energy giant YPF, and Israeli Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) innovator XtraLit have announced a strategic cooperation agreement. The partnership will focus on the joint development of sustainable and efficient DLE projects tailored to Argentina's rich brine resources.

This collaboration unites YPF's extensive energy sector leadership in Argentina with XtraLit's cutting-edge, environmentally conscious ion-exchange DLE technology.

A key aspect of the partnership will involve optimizing XtraLit's proprietary resin technology for the specific characteristics of Argentina's salt flat brines. This crucial step will pave the way for the development of scalable and economically viable lithium projects that minimize environmental impact, a growing concern with traditional lithium extraction methods.

Horacio Marin, Chairman and CEO of YPF, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, stating, "I first met XtraLit during my trip to Israel in early 2025 and was deeply impressed by Israel's innovation ecosystem at large and XtraLit's world-class technical capabilities in particular. We thank the Argentine Embassy in Israel for their support in scouting for us such a transformative technology partner."

Eduardo Vallejo, General Manager of Y-TEC, highlighted the significance of the agreement for Argentina's lithium industry. "Partnering with XtraLit enables us to advance sustainable technologies that align with new global standards and enhance Argentina's role in the lithium segment in partnership with an experienced team that developed a cutting-edge solution for the industry that is able to extend the applicability of DLE technology to lower lithium concentrations that are currently exploited while also addressing public concern of excessive consumption of water typical for other methods of extractions."

Gerardo Tyszberowicz, Director of XtraLit in Latin America, emphasized the potential for rapid growth. "This partnership with Y-TEC is a leap forward for XtraLit in scaling our technology in Argentina. YPF's leadership and local presence will accelerate the growth of our DLE technology, ensuring impactful deployment in the region."

The Argentine Ambassador to Israel, Axel Wahnish, played a pivotal role in facilitating the connection between the two companies. "Facilitating Argentine companies' access to Israel's innovation ecosystem is one of the strategic priorities for our Embassy. The synergy of Israel's technological prowess and Argentina's potential in mining, energy, and agriculture presents a historic opportunity for cooperation. We warmly welcome this partnership."

This landmark collaboration between Y-TEC and XtraLit is expected to attract significant investment into Argentina's lithium sector and align its development with increasingly stringent global sustainability benchmarks, thereby enhancing the market appeal of Argentine lithium.