PolyCera, a membrane technology provider under PSP.US, has been chosen for the second phase of the Salt Lake lithium extraction project in Tibet, China. This contract will scale up the treatment capacity to over 100,000 cubic meters per day (m³/d). PolyCera will deliver a full membrane solution, including elements, pressure vessels, and racks, for this initiative. Scheduled for completion by June 2025, phase two will add 2,300 cubic meters per hour (m³/h) to the existing system, enhancing lithium extraction vital for renewable energy storage and electric vehicles.

Phase two is scheduled for completion by June 2025.

This expansion builds on the success of phase one, which established a membrane system handling 1,900 m³/h. PolyCera CEO Jianbo Wen expressed pride in the milestone: “We are honoured by this continued trust and recognition of our technology’s capabilities. Winning the second phase of this project highlights PolyCera’s leadership in sustainable innovation, demonstrating our commitment to solving complex water and wastewater challenges globally.” The project employs advanced adsorption-separation technology and photovoltaic energy, offering a sustainable and scalable solution to meet rising global lithium demand.

PolyCera’s vice-president of product, Jinwen Wang, detailed the technology’s strengths: “In this project, PolyCera Hydro-UF membrane separates freshly formed magnesium hydroxide precipitates at a concentration of over 700mg/litre and pH ~13 from lithium-containing brine without pre-treatment due to its superior chemical resistance and monolith module design. Moreover, the temperature of the salt lake brine is below 40°F in winter. PolyCera membrane is operated at a lower operating pressure than that of a conventional membrane product because of its hydrophilicity and high water permeability.” These features ensure efficient lithium extraction under challenging conditions.

The Salt Lake project’s second phase underscores PolyCera’s role in advancing sustainable resource extraction. By June 2025, the increased capacity will support greater lithium output, aligning with global needs for clean energy technologies. In a related development, China’s Commerce Ministry in January 2025 proposed new export controls on technologies for manufacturing battery components and processing critical minerals like lithium and gallium, reflecting the strategic importance of such resources.

PolyCera’s involvement in Tibet highlights its expertise in membrane solutions, contributing to a project that balances efficiency and sustainability. The technology’s ability to handle harsh brine conditions without pre-treatment sets it apart, reinforcing its value in large-scale lithium production efforts.