Novalith Technologies, established in 2020 in Sydney, Australia, specializes in sustainable lithium extraction and production methods. The company’s innovative approach uses carbon dioxide to extract high-purity lithium from lithium-bearing rocks, offering an environmentally responsible solution for the battery industry. This method addresses the growing demand for lithium while significantly reducing environmental impacts commonly associated with traditional mining practices.
Novalith’s vision centers on accelerating the transition to electric mobility through sustainable resource extraction. Their process not only produces battery-grade lithium but also minimizes carbon emissions by utilizing CO2 in the extraction process, setting new standards for responsible mining practices.
Battery Technology
The cornerstone of Novalith’s innovation is its proprietary LiCALTM technology, which transforms conventional lithium extraction methods. This system uses carbonated water instead of sulfuric acid to extract lithium directly from mined rocks, producing battery-grade lithium carbonate while creating minimal waste products.
The technology offers several significant advantages over traditional methods. It reduces production costs by up to 65% and plant costs by up to 50%. The process requires 90% less water compared to conventional extraction methods, making it particularly valuable in water-scarce regions. When combined with renewable energy sources, the technology can achieve carbon-negative lithium production.
The modular design of Novalith’s facilities allows for scalable production, enabling mining operations to expand capacity based on market demands without requiring extensive capital investments. This flexibility makes the technology adaptable to various operation sizes and locations.
Recent Projects
In 2024, Novalith secured AU$16 million in additional funding to accelerate the development of its first commercial-scale plant. The company is establishing a center of excellence facility in Western Australia, supported by a AU$10 million federal government grant, designed to produce hundreds of tons of lithium chemicals annually.
Novalith is also planning its first commercial refining plant in the U.S. battery belt region, with projected capacity reaching tens of thousands of tonnes of lithium chemicals per year.
Investors
Novalith has attracted substantial investment from prominent financial backers. The company’s 2023 Series A funding round of AU$23 million was led by Lowercarbon Capital, with participation from the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Grantham Environmental Trusts, and TDK Ventures. In 2021, the company raised AU$2.5 million in seed funding, demonstrating early investor confidence in their technology.
Business Details
Location: Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Website: https://novalith.com.au
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/67537381
