Brisbane-based Controlled Thermal Resources has announced that it has formed a strategic investment and commercial collaboration with General Motors for the supply of lithium from its Hell’s Kitchen project in California’s Salton Sea Geothermal Field. The project includes one of the largest known lithium brine resources in North America.
Deal highlights
- First shipment of battery-grade lithium to GM expected in 2024.
- GM has said that a “significant” amount of lithium hydroxide and carbonate could be sourced from CTR in the future.
- Low-cost lithium will be produced via a closed-loop, direct extraction process that extracts lithium from geothermal brine, creating a smaller physical footprint than tradition production methods.
- GM is the first auto manufacturer to invest in the Hell’s Kitchen project, providing it with first rights to lithium produced during stage 1, along with an option for multi-year supply.
Controlled Thermal Resources comments
Controlled Thermal Resources CEO Rod Colwell said: “We are very pleased to establish this strategic relationship with GM moving forward. GM has shown great initiative and a real forward-thinking strategy by securing and localizing a lithium supply chain while also considering the most effective methods to minimize environmental impacts.”
General Motors comments
GM executive vice president, Global Product Development, Purchasing and Supply Chain, Doug Parks said: “Lithium is critical to battery production today and will only become more important as consumer adoption of EVs increases, and we accelerate towards our all-electric future. By securing and localizing the lithium supply chain in the U.S., we’re helping ensure our ability to make powerful, affordable, high mileage EVs while also helping to mitigate environmental impact and bring more low-cost lithium to the market as a whole. GM looks forward to working with CTR, in addition to state and local leaders, in achieving these goals.”