One World Lithium Delivers Nanobubble Equipment to UCI and UBC for DLCE Testing

One World Lithium Inc. has taken a significant step towards commercializing its innovative Direct Lithium Carbonation Extraction (DLCE) technology by delivering specialized nanobubble equipment to the University of California, Irvine (UCI) and the University of British Columbia (UBC). This move marks a crucial phase in the company’s development, as it transitions from lab-scale research to a mobile, containerized pilot plant.

The nanobubble generators, custom-built by Moleaer Inc., a global leader in nanobubble technology, will be deployed at both universities to further test and optimize the DLCE process. This technology aims to directly extract lithium from natural brines using a single-step method, eliminating the need for traditional, costly, and environmentally intensive concentration methods.

According to the press release, the DLCE process is designed to be highly simplified, utilizing carbon dioxide (CO2) nanobubbles to separate lithium from brines. This approach is expected to reduce environmental footprints and lower capital and operating costs. Additionally, the research teams at UCI and UBC will evaluate the recovery and co-production of other high-value industrial carbonates, such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium, from the brine. Successful recovery at scale could introduce incremental revenue streams and significantly enhance the project’s economic viability.

The collaboration between One World Lithium Inc. and Moleaer Inc. will extend to the construction of the first field-test pilot plant. This engineering work will take place at Moleaer’s facilities in Los Angeles, California, and is scheduled to begin in early 2027. Concurrently, continuous laboratory testing will continue to refine the DLCE technology.

The primary goals of the project include process optimization, validation, and scaling. Phase 1 will focus on direct brine extraction, with the objective of transitioning towards a field-ready pilot system that demonstrates direct lithium carbonate production. Phase 2 will concentrate on acid-free lithium clay extraction, validating the DLCE technology’s ability to produce lithium carbonate under varied conditions without the need for sulfuric acids, soda ash, sorbents, or multiple energy-intensive concentration steps.

One World Lithium Inc. is developing proprietary lithium extraction technologies and pursuing strategic partnerships to commercialize lower-impact, scalable lithium production from brines and clay slurries. The company’s efforts are driven by the need for more sustainable and cost-effective lithium extraction methods, particularly in the context of growing demand for lithium in the battery industry.

The DLCE process is engineered to be a highly simplified extraction pathway, unlike conventional evaporation pond operations and standard Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies. By adding CO2 directly into the separation chemistry, the DLCE approach aims to create a carbon-negative, emission-free extraction cycle. Pending pilot testing, the company anticipates that this streamlined process will substantially reduce environmental footprints and qualify the process for carbon credit opportunities.

The delivery of the nanobubble equipment to UCI and UBC marks a pivotal moment in the development of the DLCE technology. The successful deployment of this equipment at both universities will help One World Lithium Inc. advance towards a pilot-scale development, bringing the company closer to commercializing its innovative technology.