E3 Lithium has commenced Phase 1 commissioning of its Clearwater Project, advancing large-scale lithium production in Alberta.

Alberta, Canada:  E3 Lithium, a Canadian leader in lithium development, has officially commenced commissioning of Phase 1 at its Clearwater Project Demonstration Facility in Alberta, marking a significant milestone in the advancement of lithium production.

Phase 1 centers on operationalizing the company’s 30-column Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) system, complemented by polishing and purification equipment designed to produce high-quality lithium chloride. This output will form the foundation for battery-grade lithium carbonate, a key material supporting global electrification and the energy transition.

Over the past weekend, brine was successfully introduced into the DLE system following final testing and reviews. Commissioning of the system is expected to take approximately one week, after which the purification units will be brought online. Once both systems are fully operational, the facility will shift into continuous operations, demonstrating the ability to produce high-purity lithium chloride at scale.

The company has secured sufficient brine to support operations for Phase 1 well into early Q4 2025 and plans to provide regular updates as progress continues.

“The commissioning of Phase 1 demonstrates that our systems are in working order and represents an exciting step forward in the development of this facility,” said Chris Doornbos, President and CEO of E3 Lithium. “The outcomes from this phase will validate our process, optimize performance, and set the stage for Phase 2 of the Demonstration Facility, which is scheduled to begin later this fall.”

According to TechSci Research, the commissioning of E3 Lithium’s Clearwater Project Demonstration Facility is a significant development for the chemical industry, particularly in the field of advanced materials. By operationalizing its Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) system, the company is demonstrating an efficient, scalable, and environmentally responsible approach to producing high-purity lithium chloride. This material is a critical precursor for battery-grade lithium carbonate, which underpins the rapidly growing electric vehicle and energy storage sectors. The ability to secure consistent and sustainable lithium supply will help address global demand pressures, reduce reliance on traditional mining methods, and support innovation in battery chemistry. For the chemical industry, this advancement not only strengthens the supply chain for energy transition materials but also fosters opportunities for collaboration, technology optimization, and downstream applications, enhancing competitiveness in a market driven by sustainability and electrification.