Cosmos Exploration and Vulcan Energy Resources advance lithium brine extraction with German trials

Cosmos Exploration (ASX: C1X) and Vulcan Energy Resources (ASX: VUL) have reached a major milestone in their development of a unique synthetic lithium brine extraction process with the commencement of testing in Germany.

The testing at Vulcan’s plant is the initial step in refining extraction parameters ahead of future bench- and pilot-scale testing of bulk brine samples.

Vulcan’s proprietary VULSORB Adsorption-Type Direct Lithium Extraction (A-DLE) technology is an advanced process designed to enhance lithium recovery efficiency while minimising water consumption.

Fine-tuning parameters

“This work allows us to fine-tune extraction parameters ahead of testing our Bolivian brine samples, ensuring we maximise efficiency in assessing the commercial viability of Vulcan’s VULSORB technology,” Cosmos executive chair Jeremy Robinson said.

Following the shipment of 5 cubic metres of brine samples from Bolivia’s lithium salars to Germany for testing earlier this month, Cosmos has progressed with synthetic testing at the Vulcan laboratory.

Mr Robinson said these synthetic brine trials would enable a controlled assessment of lithium extraction dynamics, ensuring the most effective approach is applied to Bolivia’s brine chemistry.

“This marks a key step toward validating the feasibility of industrial-scale lithium extraction using A-DLE technology and advancing discussions on industrialisation agreements for lithium brine processing in Bolivia.”

Seismic surveys approved

Meanwhile, Vulcan has received approval to begin seismic surveys for its geothermal heat development project in the Ludwigshafen region of Germany, which the company is undertaking in partnership with BASF.

The collaboration follows the signing of the agreement the two parties signed in November 2024 to collaborate on a renewable development to supply BASF’s Verbund site in Ludwigshafen with baseload heat.

The agreement also includes the potential construction of a commercial lithium extraction plant in Ludwigshafen, BASF’s headquarters and home to the largest integrated chemical complex globally.

Important first step

Vulcan’s managing director and chief executive officer Cris Moreno said securing the necessary approvals for the first stage of development is an important step in further advancing the geothermal heat and lithium project.

“Together with BASF, we will be utilising geothermal energy in such a way that ensures the area has access to a sustainable, climate-neutral energy source,” he said.

“This development reflects our broader integrated business approach, whereby we will seek to replicate this model across the Upper Rhine Valley brine field through strategic partnerships with large industrial companies like BASF.”

“This approach not only drives sustainable energy supply in the region but also heavily contributes to Europe’s transition to green electromobility.”