Aquatech Acquires Koch's Direct Lithium Extraction Business, Integrating Li-Pro™ DLE into the PEARL™ Technology Platform

Core Insights - Aquatech has acquired Koch Technology Solutions' direct lithium extraction business, integrating the Li-Pro Lithium Selective Sorption technology into its PEARL process technology platform, making it the only commercially proven end-to-end solution for lithium processing [1][2]. Group 1: Acquisition Details - The acquisition enhances Aquatech's capabilities in lithium extraction, purification, and refining, allowing for high-purity battery materials for electric vehicles and energy storage systems [2]. - All ongoing lithium extraction projects utilizing Li-Pro technology, including a Joint Development Agreement with Standard Lithium Ltd. in the Smackover Formation, will be transferred to Aquatech [4]. - The Smackover project has completed over 12,000 operational cycles with an average lithium recovery of over 95%, targeting an initial production of 22,500 tons per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2028 [4]. Group 2: Market Impact - The integration of upstream and downstream lithium processing will provide modularized solutions, improving project bankability by reducing risks and costs associated with lithium production [3]. - The Li-Pro LSS technology is expected to scale effectively in the market, creating significant value for the lithium industry [5]. - The acquisition addresses the fragmented technology offerings in the lithium sector, which have previously increased project costs and time-to-market [6]. Group 3: Company Perspectives - Aquatech's leadership expressed confidence in the broader offerings that will benefit legacy lithium customers and emphasized the importance of the Li-Pro technology in meeting urgent critical minerals production needs [6][7]. - The integration of KTS's Li-Pro team into Aquatech is seen as a strategic move to enhance the development of lithium processing technologies [7].