A new joint lithium exploration and development project is coming to Saskatchewan.

Prairie Lithium Corp. (Prairie) and LiEP Energy Ltd. (LiEP) have collaborated to start the Prairie-LiEP Critical Mineral (PLCM) Joint Venture, a two-stage pilot project that will produce lithium hydroxide from oilfield brine in Saskatchewan.

The first stage is set to begin this July in Regina, with the second stage being planned for the second half of 2021, with field operations in southern Saskatchewan.

Energy and Resources Minister Bronwyn Eyre said that the project is another exciting development that promotes economic diversification in Saskatchewan.

“Lithium has great potential, due to increasing world-wide demand, which is why supporting extraction technologies and a viable lithium sector are included in Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan,” said Eyre.

Stage one of the project will produce 1 to 1.75 kilograms of lithium hydroxide per day. Stage two will include the contruction of one of the first lithium extraction and refining facilities in Canada, which will produce approximately one tonne of lithium hydroxide per day. The entire process from raw brine to refined lithium product is anticipated to take under six hours, which is an improvment on the current industry standard of 18 months.

The global demand for lithium is expected to grow by ten per cent, per year, in the next five years due to the expanding use of rechargeable lithium ion batteries in electric cars and portable electronic devices.

Batteries represent up to 45 per cent of the lithium market, but it is also used to produce glass and ceramics (up to 30 per cent) or greases and lubricants (up to 10 per cent). Both parties are working with the Government of Saskatchewan and will ensure that necessary environmental processes and other needed permits are completed through to commercialization.