OREANDA-NEWS.  July 18, 2014. The world`s first `direct lithium extraction technology` developed by POSCO in association with Research Institute of Industrial Science and Technology (RIST, CEO Jongsoo Woo) will be deployed on a commercial scale shortly.

Developed based on the results of running the 2-step pilot plant installed at Maricunga Salt Lake nearby Copiapo, Chile, last year, this `direct lithium extraction technology` will be deployed once the construction of a field plant with annual production capacity of 200 tons in Jujuy, Argentina, which started in June, is completed.

Most lithium manufactures have produced lithium through the natural evaporation process, which takes 12-18 months, but with POSCO`s new technology, it takes as short as 8 hours and as long as 1 month to extract lithium through chemical reaction. The lithium collection rate is remarkably improved from 30% to 80%.

Lithium is an essential material for secondary batteries that are used in EVs (Electric Vehicles) as well as mobile devices like laptops and cell phones. As the secondary battery-involved industries are gaining the spotlight and particularly the electric vehicle market is growing, it is expected that the demand for lithium will sharply increase.

Though Korea is the No. 1 secondary battery manufacturer in the world, the country has been 100% dependent upon importation from foreign countries for the key material, lithium. However, with the `technology to extract lithium directly from salt water` developed by POSCO, it is possible to develop salt lakes rich in lithium in foreign countries. Accordingly, it is expected to drive the growth of the Korean lithium-based industries like the secondary battery, electric vehicle and Smart Grid, and help the country take an advantageous position in the global market for environment-friendly industries.

POSCO plans to complete the examination of commercial-scale deployment of direct lithium extraction technology next year and take an unchallenged, leading position in the global lithium market.

This technology is expected to have a great ripple effect as it was named on the list of `the greatest industrial technologies developed in Korea` announced last April by the National Academy of Engineering of Korea.