One World Lithium Inc. (CSE: OWLI) has announced a new phase of research and development engagements with the University of British Columbia (UBC) and the University of California, Irvine (UCI) to advance its proprietary Direct Lithium Carbonate Extraction (DLCE) technology. Working in collaboration with Moleaer Inc., a global leader in nanobubble technology, the company aims to accelerate the path toward a containerized pilot plant for field testing lithium extraction from brine.
The DLCE process utilizes nanobubbles of carbon dioxide (CO2) to separate lithium from brines in a single step, potentially eliminating the need for multiple concentration stages and chemical inputs typical of conventional methods. The pilot system is intended to demonstrate direct production of lithium carbonate from natural brines, a significant departure from traditional processes that yield lithium intermediates requiring further processing.
Under the scope of work, UBC and UCI will first focus on continued validation and optimization of the DLCE process, with an eye toward scaling up to a pilot plant for field testing. In parallel, the universities will evaluate the recovery of additional industrial carbonates—such as sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium—from brine. If successfully recovered at scale, these byproducts could represent incremental revenue streams and improve overall project economics, a key consideration for lithium developers seeking to lower costs and environmental impacts.
The second phase of laboratory work will test the DLCE technology on lithium clay slurries. The goal is to produce lithium carbonate directly from clay without requiring sulfuric acids, soda ash, sorbents, or multiple concentration steps. This would broaden the technology's applicability beyond brines to other lithium-bearing resources.
Dr. Alex Tavasoli, assistant professor in UBC’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, will lead the UBC team. Her research group, the Laboratory of Future Industry (LoFI), focuses on the design, optimization, scale-up, and commercialization of sustainable industrial processes. Dr. James Earthman, professor of Materials Science and Engineering at UCI, will lead the UCI team. Dr. Earthman has extensive experience with nanobubble technology and holds 16 issued US patents.
Moleaer is assembling two separate nanobubble generators and additional equipment for shipment to the universities, expected within six to eight weeks. Once installed, the labs will begin test work aimed at advancing toward the design and construction of a containerized pilot plant for field testing lithium in brine.
“We are extremely pleased to have such a talented team working with us in advancing OWL’s DLCE technology,” said Doug Fulcher, President and CEO of One World Lithium. He noted that the combined expertise of Dr. Earthman in nanobubble materials, Dr. Tavasoli in chemical engineering and industrial processing, and Moleaer’s nanobubble team positions the company to fast-track the DLCE process and complete construction of a container-size test plant in a timely manner.
The company emphasizes potential environmental advantages of its process. By integrating carbon dioxide in the separation chemistry and minimizing chemical inputs, OWL expects reduced environmental impacts, lower capital and operating costs, and potential carbon credit opportunities—subject to pilot validation. This aligns with growing industry and regulatory pressure to develop low-carbon lithium supply chains.
The announcement marks a significant step for One World Lithium as it transitions from laboratory-scale research toward pilot-scale development. Success in this phase could demonstrate a more sustainable and cost-effective method for lithium extraction, which is critical for meeting surging demand from the electric vehicle and energy storage sectors. However, the company cautions that forward-looking statements involve risks, including the inability to commercialize the technology, market fluctuations, and advancements in competing extraction methods.
For more information about One World Lithium and its technologies, visit oneworldlithium.com.
