Role of Advanced Direct Extraction Technologies in Reducing Environmental Impacts of Lithium Production

Lithium demand is surging to support the global energy transition, raising concerns over the environmental impacts of its production. However, the quantitative contribution of advanced extraction technologies in reducing the environmental impacts of lithium is still unclear. To fill this gap, this study first conducts a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA) of 11 environmental impact categories from lithium extraction worldwide, covering diverse sources (brines, spodumene, clays, and geothermal brines) and extraction technologies. Results reveal that producing 1 kg of Li₂CO₃ generates 2.14-19.11 kg CO₂-eq, where the Mg²⁺/Li⁺ ratio in brines is a key driver of environmental outcomes, influencing extraction efficiency. We further evaluate emerging Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies for low-concentration, high Mg²⁺/Li⁺ brines, finding that most DLE methods yield ∼4-fold higher impacts than traditional methods due to intensive chemical and energy use. In contrast, four advanced DLE technologies, including adsorption-coupled membrane, solvent extraction, and electrochemical deintercalation/intercalation with LFP/FP or LiMn₂O₄/λ-MnO₂ electrodes, reduce emissions by up to 60% relative to other DLE options. Transitioning to renewable energy enhances DLE viability, potentially lowering impacts below traditional levels. Our findings highlight pathways for sustainable lithium supply through technological advancement and energy decarbonization.