Canada’s Volt Lithium has initiated its US field operations in the Permian Basin, Texas, marking a key milestone with the production of its first lithium.

The Canadian company successfully deployed its proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) unit on 17 September 2024, setting the stage for full-scale commercialisation.

With a focus on maintaining a low operating cost structure, Volt Lithium is positioned for sustained, cost-effective growth as it ramps up its US operations.

The company has successfully produced lithium concentrate from its field unit, a critical step towards future commercial sales.

Its immediate goal is to increase operations to build an inventory of lithium concentrate and lithium carbonate. This inventory will support the anticipated commercial sales.

Volt Lithium's strategy includes the production of lithium chloride concentrate in the field, with the conversion to battery-grade lithium carbonate initially taking place at its Field Simulation Centre in Calgary, Alberta.

Plans for future downstream refining are set to occur on-site as the company reaches full-scale operations.

Volt Lithium has set a target for the remainder of 2024, aiming to continue producing lithium concentrate in the field and to scale up its field unit operations to achieve commercial sales by the end of the year.

It is looking to generate cash flow by the end of 2024 and aims to become cash flow positive in the first half of 2025.

Additionally, Volt Lithium plans to escalate commercial production to 100,000 barrels per day of brine production during the second half of 2025.

Volt Lithium president and CEO Alex Wylie said: “Achieving first lithium production establishes Volt as a leader in direct lithium extraction from North American oilfield brines and marks the company’s strategic shift from development to production.

“I would like to thank our strategic partner and our dedicated staff that enabled Volt to achieve this significant milestone.”