Watercycle Technologies

Watercycle Technologies is a critical minerals and water filtration specialist that develops advanced graphene-based membranes and systems to extract lithium and other minerals from brines and water solutions. The company's core Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallisation (DLEC) technology uses mixed matrix hollow fiber adsorption membranes to selectively remove lithium ions from complex brines, followed by concentration, polishing, and crystallization stages. The process produces zero waste, is water-neutral, and requires 95% less land than conventional lithium extraction processes. In addition to primary lithium production from sub-surface waters and industrial brines, the company specializes in recycling spent lithium-ion batteries, having successfully produced commercial-grade lithium carbonate and graphite from black mass. As of November 2024, Watercycle has produced over 100 kg of battery-grade lithium carbonate with >99.5% purity from UK-sourced brines at its pilot plant in Runcorn, UK, and aims to scale up to multi-ton production within six months.

Key customers and partnerships

Watercycle Technologies has established several strategic partnerships to implement its technology. In November 2022, the company partnered with Cornish Lithium to test its direct lithium extraction process in Cornwall, England, delivering a containerized filtration system. In February 2023, the company signed an agreement with Energia Minerals Srl to test its DLEC technology on geothermal brine in Italy's Lazio region. The company also partnered with Weardale Lithium to produce lithium carbonate from geothermal brines in North-East England. In September 2024, Watercycle was selected by Chile's state-owned mining body, ENAMI, alongside seven other companies including Rio Tinto and Eramet, to showcase its DLEC technology for lithium exploration in the Atacama Region. The company maintains a Tier 2 Partnership with the University of Manchester's Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, providing access to lab space and equipment.