Ageli: French lithium for electric vehicle batteries

Three years of research on the “EuGeLi” (European Geothermal Lithium Brine) project have demonstrated Eramet’s ability to capture lithium from a geothermal source to produce a battery-grade carbonate, a world first.

To achieve this, Eramet has adapted the process developed for its project in Argentina to Alsace’s geothermal brines and their operating conditions, in particular the pressure and temperature of the well’s reinjection branch (80°C, 20 bars). In the fourth quarter of 2023, a continuous direct lithium extraction pilot will be installed on the reinjection branch of the existing geothermal well operated by Electricité de Strasbourg in Rittershoffen. The unit is made up of columns filled with active material, a veritable lithium “sponge” that selectively extracts this element.

The lithium is then recovered by circulating slightly saline water through the columns. The result is a concentrated lithium solution, which is purified before the battery-grade lithium carbonate precipitation stage. The lithium-depleted brine is reinjected into the subsoil.

Lithium carbonate, the final product of the process, must be of the highest purity if it is to be used in the Li-ion battery sector. The process has proved its effectiveness, enabling local, sustainable production with high yields and efficiency.

The Ageli project benefits from a virtually zero carbon footprint, thanks to the use of energy generated by geothermal heat.

Another advantage is its proximity to the European battery industry, which will significantly reduce emissions linked to transport between lithium extraction and refining sites and European battery manufacturing plants.

By combining Eramet’s skills in lithium extraction with those of Electricité de Strasbourg, which has world-renowned geothermal expertise, the Ageli project will ultimately contribute to the creation of several dozen direct and indirect jobs. As with all our development projects, mechanisms for open and constructive dialogue are in place with all project stakeholders.