Gradiant, a global water and resource recovery company, has announced that its lithium subsidiary, alkaLi, will launch the world’s first fully integrated lithium production facility using oilfield-produced water. Located in the Marcellus Shale Formation of Pennsylvania, the site will Extract, Concentrate, and Convert (EC²) lithium in a single, end-to-end process—marking a major advancement in sustainable mineral production.
Set to be fully operational by early 2026, the facility is already achieving promising results during testing, including 97% lithium recovery and 99.5% battery-grade lithium carbonate purity. AlkaLi owns the entire operation—including land, equipment, water rights, and permits—enabling a vertically integrated model that bypasses the common regulatory hurdles and delays facing new lithium projects.
A New Model for U.S. Lithium Supply
Unlike traditional lithium producers, alkaLi offers a multi-pronged approach:
- Deploying its EC² platform to customer sites
- Building and operating facilities with partners
- Producing lithium from alkaLi-owned assets
The Pennsylvania project marks the debut of the third model and represents a strategic milestone toward securing a domestic lithium supply—a vital component in powering the U.S. electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors.
To that end, alkaLi has also signed a multi-year offtake agreement to supply up to 5,000 metric tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate to a U.S.-based lithium-ion battery manufacturer.
What Is EC²?
alkaLi’s EC² platform is a breakthrough in lithium production. The patented process combines Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), concentration, and final conversion in a single modular system. Compared to legacy methods, EC² offers:
- 95–97% lithium recovery
- Up to 50% lower CAPEX/OPEX
- AI-driven real-time performance optimization
- Pre-engineered modules for fast deployment
- Minimal environmental impact
Feedwater flexibility is another key advantage—alkaLi’s system can process geothermal brines, recycled battery materials, and oilfield-produced water, making it a versatile solution in today’s fast-evolving lithium market.
A Scalable Vision for Energy Transition
“This isn’t a concept—it’s a live facility,” said Anurag Bajpayee, CEO of Gradiant. “Our aim isn’t to compete with lithium producers but to empower the entire industry to accelerate clean energy. This project demonstrates that domestic lithium production can be clean, fast, and commercially viable.”
The Marcellus Shale site has the potential to supply up to 50% of U.S. lithium demand, a vital strategic edge as global markets shift toward electrification and energy storage.
As the energy transition accelerates, alkaLi and Gradiant invite investors, partners, and producers to explore collaboration, bringing EC² to new geographies and use cases worldwide.
