FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Project will create valuable lithium from previously discarded industrial byproduct
Calgary, AB—Emissions Reduction Alberta (ERA) is announcing an investment of $5 million in E3 Lithium’s novel technology, which produces battery-grade lithium carbonate from locally sourced brine in Alberta. This investment represents a significant advancement in leveraging Alberta’s lithium resources to diversify the province’s low-carbon economy.
Funding is provided through the Government of Alberta’s Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund.
The global demand for lithium is growing quickly. E3 Lithium, an Alberta-based company, uses innovative technology to extract this vital mineral from industrial brines produced by the oil and gas industry. This process transforms what was previously considered waste into a valuable resource. Due to Alberta’s plentiful brine reserves and skilled workforce, E3’s technology has the potential to position the province as a leading lithium producer globally.
“There is a critical minerals race happening worldwide, and Alberta is setting the pace. Home to Canada’s largest brine reserves, well-documented drill sites and a talented oil and gas workforce, our province is the best place for E3 Lithium get this great technology closer to commercialization. Together, we are supporting jobs, diversifying the economy, and creating a brighter energy future where Alberta is a global leader in lithium production.”
Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas
“E3 exemplifies Alberta’s entrepreneurial spirit. They saw an opportunity and developed an innovative strategy to capitalize on it, transforming industrial waste into a valuable energy source that can power your cell phone or your EV. Along with supporting the circular economy, the environmental and economic rewards of this kind of leading-edge technology directly align with the province’s long-term goals.”
Justin Riemer, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta
“E3 is on the path to building a new industry in the province. As we prove the technology at an increasing scale, we increase the certainty that Alberta can be a major lithium-producing jurisdiction. ERA’s funding is crucial for developing a commercial facility and producing battery-grade lithium. This investment not only supports E3 but also opens new opportunities for the province and positions Alberta as a leader in critical minerals innovation.”
Chris Doornbos, President and CEO of E3 Lithium
This six-month project will take place at E3’s Clearwater facility near Olds, Alberta where they conducted the 2023 Field Pilot Program. E3 will demonstrate their proprietary direct extraction process and a recycling system that sources water from the brine feedstock in a closed-loop approach that does not require additional freshwater. The project aims to mitigate risks and advance the technology towards commercialization. It will also provide valuable data on reservoir performance, overall production forecast, and well logistics at a scalable commercial facility that will begin construction in 2026.
E3’s project was chosen through ERA’s Continuous Intake Program (CIP). The CIP was created as an additional way to take in projects outside of ERA’s regular Call-for-Proposals process. The project was referred for funding by Alberta Innovates, who invested $1.8 million in E3’s initial 2023 field pilot. The pilot project also received contributions from the Strategic Innovation Fund and NRCan’s Critical Minerals Research Development and Demonstration Program. Imperial Oil has a $6 million stake in E3 Lithium.
For more information contact:
Emissions Reduction Alberta
Kevin Duncan
Media Relations
kduncan@eralberta.ca | 403-431-2859
E3 Lithium
Jeff Slack
Marketing and Digital Communications Specialist
jslack@e3lithium.ca | 403-589-3291
Government of Alberta
Ryan Fournier
Press Secretary, Environment and Protected Areas
Ryan.Fournier@gov.ab.ca | 780-232-2213
ABOUT EMISSIONS REDUCTION ALBERTA (ERA):
For 15 years, ERA has been investing the revenues from the carbon price paid by large final emitters to accelerate the development and adoption of innovative clean technology solutions. Since ERA was established in 2009, over $983 million has been committed toward 298 projects worth $9 billion that are helping to reduce GHGs, create competitive industries, and lead to new business opportunities in Alberta. These projects are estimated to deliver cumulative reductions of 42.5 million tonnes of CO₂e by 2030. Please visit https://eralberta.ca.
ABOUT E3 LITHIUM:
E3 Lithium is a resource development company located in Alberta, dedicated to establishing a new benchmark in lithium production in North America. Leveraging proven technology and supported by a leading team and strong global partners, E3 Lithium’s goal is to produce high-purity, battery-grade, lithium products, initiating a new hub in the intercontinental critical mineral supply chain.