On October 16, 2025, E3 Lithium Ltd., a Canadian lithium development company, and Axens, a global provider of clean energy technologies, signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MOU) covering the sale of lithium carbonate and the supply of a lithium-selective sorbent. The MOU outlines two independent agreements: one for E3 Lithium to deliver battery-grade lithium carbonate from its Clearwater Project in Alberta to Axens for use in Europe, and another for Axens to provide its proprietary sorbent for E3 Lithium’s direct lithium extraction processes.
Under the terms of the MOU, each company will conduct qualification tests to ensure product compatibility and performance. E3 Lithium will produce battery-grade lithium carbonate at its demonstration facility for Axens’ review, while Axens’ sorbent will undergo standard testing and validation within E3 Lithium’s extraction process. Upon successful qualification, the parties intend to negotiate separate definitive agreements, each with its own milestones and not contingent on the other.
Both organizations have committed to working in good faith toward rapid completion of qualification steps and to exploring funding structures within the definitive contracts. “The MOU with Axens represents a mutually beneficial and symbiotic agreement that significantly de-risks the Clearwater Project,” said Chris Doornbos, E3 Lithium President and CEO. “Axens has the proven capabilities to produce sorbent on a commercial scale and de-risks E3 Lithium’s supply chain for the critical reagent. E3 Lithium’s ability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate on site without secondary processing enables a direct sale into the European market, a key differentiator for the Company. We are very excited to be collaborating with the team at Axens as we work through the mutual qualification objectives.”
“This agreement with E3 Lithium greatly supports Axens’ efforts to develop a high-performance sorbent for Direct Lithium Extraction” adds Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens. “More generally, it shows the interest of industrial players in Axens’ technologies and products in the field of low carbon mobility. Axens is excited to continue moving forward with E3 Lithium to advance our respective projects on battery materials developments in the common interest of both companies.”
This initiative marks an initial step toward binding agreements that will advance both companies’ roles in critical mineral supply chains. It also reflects broader industry efforts to secure reliable sources of battery raw materials and integrate advanced extraction technologies.
Source: E3 Lithium Newsroom
