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Background, Interest,
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| | Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory | Ning Sun | Staff Scientist |
Federally Funded Research and Development Center (FFRDC)
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| | We enable early stage advanced biofuels, biomaterials, and biochemicals product and process technologies to successfully scale from the lab to commercial relevance. Our team specialize in process design, optimization and scaling up for biological process and downstream separation. |
| CA |
| | Lithosphere Industries LLC | Dustin Herring | CEO |
Small Business
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| | Lithosphere Industries LLC is advancing Project Anchor, a modular lithium hydroxide (LiOH·H₂O) production facility in Savannah, Georgia. Phase 1 targets approximately 10,000 metric tons per year, with expansion to 30,000 metric tons per year through additional modular processing lines.
The project utilizes a proven sulfate-route conversion process and is designed for commercial-scale deployment. The site offers significant advantages as a brownfield industrial location with existing port, rail, and power infrastructure, along with secured sulfuric acid supply under letter of intent, supporting efficient logistics and execution.
Lithosphere has secured letters of intent with Hatch Ltd. for pre-FEED and FEED engineering and with FEECO International for thermal processing equipment. The project is advancing engineering definition and financing, including an application submitted to the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) under the Make More in America Initiative (MMIA), currently under review. Lithosphere is also working with the Savannah Economic Development Authority to align with state economic development priorities and potential incentive programs.
Lithosphere is seeking strategic partners including spodumene feedstock suppliers, cathode and battery materials offtake partners, and industrial or financial partners aligned with domestic critical mineral processing and supply chain resilience. |
| FL |
| | Vitrom Manufacturing | Antonio Leonel Reis | CEO |
Small Business
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| | Background: Vitrom Manufacturing (Virtu Volt Power Systems) is a U.S.-based innovator specializing in modular Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery energy storage systems (ESS) for mid-size applications (10-250 kWh). Focused on domestic production through vertical integration, the company addresses gaps in behind-the-meter (BTM) commercial/industrial, mobile EV charging, construction, disaster response, off-grid, and military/tactical power markets. Vitrom delivers rugged, intelligent, redeployable ESS as an alternative to rigid utility-scale solutions. The leadership team collectively offers 100+ years of proven lithium-ion manufacturing scale-up experience.
Interests: Vitrom seeks to collaborate as a subrecipient or strategic downstream partner with prime applicants to DE-FOA-0003585 (Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grants). We are ready to contribute to Topic Area 3 (Battery Manufacturing/Component Manufacturing) or related facility demonstrations by supplying U.S.-made LFP modules/packs, co-locating intelligent ESS at new production sites for on-site power resilience (peak shaving, backup, construction electrification), and conducting joint pilots using prime-supplied cells. All work will be performed 100% in the United States.
Capabilities:
• Domestic Manufacturing: Developing full vertical integration (CNC machining, metal fabrication, SMT electronics, module welding, BMS integration, final testing) in an existing U.S. facility targeting ~43 MWh/month capacity.
• Modular LFP Component Tested Designs: Configurable prismatic modules (312 Ah @ 48 V nominal, IP66, >3,000 cycles, liquid thermal management, one-circuit-per-cell BMS) scalable in parallel/series to 250 kWh with a single PCS.
• Full-Stack Intelligence: Intelligent adaptive BMS, smart chargers for multi-battery fleets, cloud platform with predictive analytics, OTA updates, GPS, and remote security—ideal for VPP, grid services, and facility optimization.
• Traction & Compliance: On track for UL 1973/9540 (Q2 2027), meets preliminary UL 9540A/FCC criteria, and is NATO 6T MIL-STD compatible ready. Proven cost leadership (~$200–360/kWh ASP) and rapid deployment formats (trailer/skid/vehicle). |
| MD |
| | HybriMet LLC | Joe Hensel | Sr Program Mgr |
Small Business
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| | HybriMet LLC’s goal is to reduce the risk in the development and commissioning of molten salt systems. HybriMet develops and provides metal matrix ceramic composite materials (MMC) and high temperature (720⁰C) capable, corrosion resistant and wear resistant parts for valves, pumps and tanks and other applications in extreme environments. Since 2018 HybriMet MMC (including NiWC and NiWC3b) have been demonstrated as valve seats, bushings, seals and coatings in molten chloride and fluoride salts. |
| OH |
| | DNV USA Inc. | William Kovacs III | Principal Engineer |
Large Business
|
Other
| Domestic Critical Materials Recycling | DNV’s purpose is to safeguard life, property and the environment. DNV provides services to help tackle global transformations.
In the context of this Funding Opportunity, we are particularly interested in Topic Area 2 (Domestic Critical Materials Recycling). A specific interest area related enhancing the processes and recovery of REEs.
We also have significant expertise with materials and corrosion, particularly in sCO2 and Hydrogen.
Generally, DNV also provides the services below to the Energy Industry:
• Energy markets and strategy
• Risk management
• Advisory
• Due diligence
• Certification
• Verification and assurance
• Inspection and testing
• Marine warranty services
• Cyber security
• Energy management and end use
• Power plant monitoring and analytics
• Software and digital solutions
• ESG and sustainability |
| OH |
| | American Renewable Metals, LLC | Daniel Blakley | CEO |
Small Business
|
Other
| Critical Minerals Processing and Purification | American Renewable Metals, LLC (ARM) was established in 2018 as a veteran-owned business in Bessemer, AL. ARM's proprietary simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography platform technology enables critical mineral recovery from hydromet concentrates and complex e-waste, mining, and industrial waste feedstocks at a fraction of the time and cost when compared to existing processes.
ARM’s transformational technology is a multi-purpose metals production platform that integrates selective leaching, continuous ion exchange (CIX), and SMB chromatography into a single, closed-loop process. Once metals are transferred into solution, the platform is feedstock agnostic, enabling selective separation and purification of complex multi-metal mixtures. Our integrated, continuous delivers high-purity functional metal products suitable for direct use in U.S. manufacturing while minimizing secondary waste, shortening processing timelines, and reducing CapEx and OpEx.
ARM has successfully advanced its core platform technology to TRL 7 through federal, state, and industry funding using coal mining waste, e-waste, coal combustion residue (CCR) and electric arc furnace dust (EAFD) as feedstock to produce 99.9% pure rare earth oxides (REOs), alumina, gallium oxide, zinc and iron salts, and other valuable metal products and byproducts.
Key attributes of the ARM’s platform technology include:
System-level integration: Recovery, purification, and production of metals through a single continuous process that reduces processing time from weeks/month to days.
Functional outputs: Production of >99.9% pure individual REOs, aluminum products, gallium compounds, iron and other metal salts, and salable pozzolanic material leaving little to no residual waste.
Scalability and cost: Modular, skid-based systems deployable in 12-18 months, with operating costs ~90% lower than traditional solvent extraction.
Resource efficiency: Near-zero hazardous waste generation
ARM has relationships with R&D, academic, and industry partners that emphasizes interdisciplinary execution. We have experience with large-scale federal, state, and industry funded projects. ARM’s expertise, experience, and network can support the creation of a transformational process to sustainably produce critical metals from various feedstocks at commercial scale.
ARM is interested in partnering with a team to support the critical mineral processing needs of DE-FOA-0003585. |
| AL |
| | Ramboll | Diane Sanzone | Director, Battery Manufacturing & BESS |
Large Business
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| Grant Support & Environmental/Engineering Services | Ramboll is a global environmental, architecture, engineering, and consultancy company. We can help your project succeed and assist with the following services: air, water and waste permitting; site due diligence and selection; impact assessment and NEPA; biodiversity services; circular economy and resource management; contaminated site and facility solutions; noise, visual impact and water modelling; risk assessments; compliance and auditing; life cycle analysis; environmental and cultural studies; stakeholder mapping and engagement; grant writing; and emergency response and contingency planning. |
| VA |
| | Alaska Range Resources | Christopher Gerteisen | CEO - Director |
Small Business
|
Other
| Critical Mineral Feedstock - Antimony and other CMs | Alaska Range Resources (ARR), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Nova Minerals, is developing a vertically integrated domestic supply of antimony (Sb) concentrate (feedstock) along with metallurgical refineries to produce reliable, long-term supplies of high-purity antimony metal (greater than 99.5%), antimony trisulfide (Sb2S3), antimony trioxide (Sb2O3), and other critical minerals (CMs). The ARR project will reduce U.S. dependencies on international Sb production, including reliance on China and Russia (55% and 18% of global Sb production, respectively). Domestic supply and production of Sb is critically important for U.S. clean energy, as Sb is a necessary component of all antimony-sodium (Sb-Na) ion batteries, calcium-antimony (Ca-Sb) alloys used in liquid metal batteries, lead acid batteries, and antimony selenide (Sb2Se3) used in solar panels. Sb in its different forms is also important for homeland security and national security with applications in ammunition hardening, primer production, and as a flame retardant in fabrics and electronics. ARR proposes to process and refine large deposits of Sb from stibnite detected throughout multiple deposits of precious metals (Au, Ag) on its claim block in Alaska. Additionally, ARR’s exploration data show that its mine tailings and other waste products, when separated and concentrated, can create new domestic supplies of CMs, including arsenic (As), bismuth (Bi), cobalt (Co), gallium (Ga), lanthanum (La), lithium (Li), manganese (Mn), neodymium (Nd), scandium (Sc), tellurium (Te), tungsten (W), yttrium (Y), and zinc (Zn). |
| AK |
| | Palladias LLC | Benjamin Warner | President |
Small Business
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| 1a | Topic 1: Palladias efficiently extracts trace critical metals from non-conventional feedstocks, including nickel and cobalt from geothermal and oilfield brines.
Topic 2: Palladias has developed a catalog of high-selectivity resins that work at different pH levels and solution conditions, including (1) resins that work under acidic, neutral, or highly alkaline conditions, and (2) resins that work with black mass to recover battery metals (Ni, Co, Cu, mixed pCAM). |
| NM |
| | Rebuilders Automotive Supply (RAS) | Katie Schmitt | Director of Projects & Business Development |
Small Business
|
Other
| End-Of-Life Battery Supply Chain Infrastructure & Logistics | RAS unites the country's largest salvage-yard network with white-glove logistics to deliver certified batteries, raw materials, components, and real-time analytical insights. We leverage long-standing salvage partnerships to aggregate end-of-life vehicle and parts data, bridging our customers’ remanufacturing and recycling demand with a reliable supply of EV and hybrid battery feedstock.
VIN-driven procurement, combined with robust QA intake processes ensures the integrity, accuracy, and proper classification of batteries, optimizing their identification and directing them to the most economical end-use streams (recycling, remanufacturing, or second life usage). |
| RI |
| | Clemson University Center for Workforce Development | Frank Menchaca | Chair, Academic Advisory |
Academic
|
Workforce and Economic Development
| Battery Manufacturing Capability | CUCWD skills-based, blended learning for technicians in battery manufacturing. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with industry partners to ensure efficacy and employee success. We deliver our training through the SkilRedi platform which features training modules that integrate simulations/digital twins and assessment. Our on-demand learning is integrating with hands-on labs. We work with a variety of partners in awarding micro-credentials and certifications by recognized authorities such as SAE International. Our battery manufacturing curriculum was develop by working industry experts and in cooperation with partners such as MIT. This program is designed to provide the requisite skills for technician-level employees with little or no experience. We are seeking partnerships to pilot and distribute our training. |
| PA |
| | Somerset International, Inc | Todd Eisenbud | COO |
Large Business
|
Other
| Modular Ultrafine Critical Mineral Recovery From Tailings Streams | Somerset International, Inc. is a U.S.-based mineral processing technology company seeking to collaborate on commercial-scale projects under Topic Area 1b of DE-FOA-0003585. Somerset has developed and commercially deployed its patented SUB325® ultrafine classification technology, which enables both recovery of valuable minerals and rejection of gangue material from fine and ultrafine fractions (30–100 µm) that are typically unrecoverable using conventional processing methods.
The technology has demonstrated the ability to increase overall plant yield by approximately 5–15% through recovery of previously lost material, while also improving concentrate quality by selectively removing low-value gangue in this size range. Somerset’s systems are currently operating across multiple sites and commodities and are supported by established engineering, operating programs, and equipment supply capabilities.
Somerset is interested in partnering with U.S.-based mineral processing operators, mine owners, and industrial facilities that generate tailings or fine material streams containing recoverable critical minerals. Target materials include titanium-bearing minerals, zirconium, rare earth-bearing monazite, and other battery-relevant materials depending on site-specific conditions.
The proposed deployment model focuses on modular, brownfield integration at existing facilities, enabling rapid implementation with reduced permitting complexity and capital requirements. Projects are structured to produce upgraded mineral concentrates suitable for downstream refining and integration into domestic supply chains.
Somerset is also open to collaboration with engineering firms, project developers, and downstream processors to support project development, execution, and offtake alignment.
Organizations with suitable feedstock streams, existing processing infrastructure, or interest in advancing domestic critical mineral production are encouraged to engage. |
| PA |
| | University of Miami | Xiangyang Zhou | Professor |
Academic
|
Energy Storage
| 1 or 2 | University of Miami team has been devoted to R&D of a low-cost, high efficiency electrochemical lithium extraction technology under the supports of the American-made Geothermal Lithium Extraction Prize and NSF I-corp, since 2021. The innovative technology synergistically incorporates 1) a high capture rate, low pressure drop flow-through electrochemical system; 2) high capacity, ultra-thick electrodes; and 3) high efficiency and selectivity lithium selection and rejection processes. Research has demonstrated that advanced technology greatly reduces the cost of lithium extraction and water consumption to levels much lower than competing technologies.
University of Miam team includes faculty members specialized in Li-ion batteries, Na-ion batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, electrochemical synthesis of materials, nanofabrication, fluids dynamics, and materials degradation.
University of Miami team is interested in collaborating with companies, national laboratories, and other universities to scale up and commercialize the advanced lithium extraction technology. |
| FL |
| | Texas A&M University | Hong Liang | Professor |
Academic
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| recovery and fabrication of specitaly metals from battery scraps | Surface science, advanced materials, electrochemistry, battery electrodes, solar cells, corrosion, materials degradation and protection, advanced manufacturing & nanofabrication |
Website: liang.engr.tamu.edu
Email: hliang@tamu.edu
Phone: (979) 862-2623
Address: Mechanical Engineering Office Building, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843-3123, United States
| TX |
| | WENEXXUS LLC | John D Thomas | President |
Small Business
|
Energy Storage
| | John D. Thomas presents his qualifications as President and Lead Consultant for WENXXUS, highlighting extensive experience in energy storage product development and manufacturing, renewable energy, vehicle manufacturing sustainable development, financing, and business development related to zero emission mobility powered by renewable energy.
• Expertise in Battery Product Design and Manufacturing: spanning battery cell, battery module and enclosure design for a variety of lithium and non-lithium chemistries including flow batteries.
• Expertise in Supply Chain Architecture: experience with vertical integration of supply chains from raw materials to end products, including recycling and end of life decomposition, utilizing world class Toyota lean manufacturing methodologies including value stream mapping and other tools from the Lean Enterprise Institute from MIT.
• Manufacturing and Assembly Experience: He has led entire vehicle manufacturing factory brownfield and greenfield plant creation, including stamping, welding, painting, and assembly, with skills in niche vehicle manufacturing, prototype to mass production, and advanced factory technologies such as robotics and simulation software.
• Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development: capabilities include microgrid design, solar and wind turbine engineering, project facilitation, energy storage solutions, and sustainable project planning with ENVISION certification. Notable projects include solar and hydrogen installations and wind turbine planning on Native American lands.
• Expertise in Vehicles and Fuels: Thomas has comprehensive knowledge of electric passenger cars, buses, trucks, CNG/RNG, hydrogen, biodiesel, ethanol, and hybrid systems.
• Financing and Business Development: Thomas has expertise in securing DOE loans and grants, including significant ATVM loans, RAISE and Carl Moyer grants, and startup fundraising totaling millions of dollars. He has also co-led major joint ventures, site selections for factories, and developed multiple business plans and licensing models. |
| TX |
| | CarbonDots | Bruce Willner | CEO |
Small Business
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| Topic Area 3: Domestic Battery Materials and Component Manufacturing | CarbonDots has developed a novel process to produce graphite from waste plastic. We are working to commercialize this process to provide US battery manufacturers with a reliable domestic graphite supply chain.
Graphite has been designated a critical mineral, vital for national security, due to its use in lithium batteries. These batteries have both defense and civilian uses, including UAV's, field communications equipment, night vision equipment, energy storage systems, mobile phones, electric vehicles, power tools, etc. Currently, rechargeable lithium battery production accounts for over 30% of the world’s graphite consumption, with demand continuing to grow rapidly. But nearly all battery-grade graphite is imported. There is an urgent need to secure a domestic supply chain.
Our team has developed a groundbreaking process to convert polypropylene (PP) into graphitic material. Our technology uses a novel chemical method of converting PP into crystalline graphite without the high energy requirements of traditional synthetic graphite processes. Rather than the 3000°C treatment for traditional graphite synthesis, the CarbonDots chemical process produces graphite at a much lower temperature, below 200°C. Further, the process has been demonstrated with post-consumer waste PP as feedstock.
CarbonDots is looking for partners for a joint proposal to the DOE Battery Materials Processing & Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Program in which we will work on scaling our plastic waste to graphite process. This innovative, low temperature process is the first of it's kind to convert waste polypropylene into graphitic material. Our innovative graphite production process is designed to be lower cost and more energy efficient, all while ensuring a fully domestic supply chain. |
| NJ |
| | McCarl’s Technical Services | Dr. Stephen Jayson Ripke | Director of Operations |
Small Business
|
Other
| Topic Area 1: Domestic Critical Materials Processing from Raw Feedstocks and Topic Area 2: Domestic Critical Materials Recycling | McCarl's Technical Services is an industrial contractor with integrated metallurgical testing and engineering. We engineer plants, fabricate equipment, build facilities and commission them. We also run the lab work that proves your process before a shovel hits the ground. Same team from concept through startup.
McCarl's was founded in 1946 in Beaver Falls, PA. Two 60,000 square foot ASME certified fabrication shops. One of the largest union pipefitting workforces in the Tri State region. We have built chemical plants, cryogenic facilities, processing plants, water treatment systems and testing laboratories. We were part of the Great Arrow Builders joint venture with Bechtel and Babcock and Wilcox on Shell's ethane cracker in Monaca. Our project range goes from small capital work to multi-million dollar programs.
We do 3D laser scanning, digital twin modeling, drone surveying and full design engineering across processes, mechanical, structural and electrical disciplines. Our estimators carry AACE credentials and have direct construction experience, which means cost estimates that reflect what things actually cost to build. We deliver AACE Class I through IV estimates with execution plans and schedules that hold up. Directly relevant to this NOFO. We have already executed FEED engineering for a greenfield battery recycling facility. Our senior engineers have delivered DOE funded rare earth and coal recovery projects. Our Colorado lab has run test work on every priority mineral in this NOFO including lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, rare earths and copper, so we understand the process chemistry behind what we are building.
What we bring to your application. Construction management and EPC delivery for Phase 3 where 60 to 80 percent of project cost sits. FEED execution in Phase 1. Realistic project schedules and work breakdown structures from people who manage real construction. Process validation and commissioning support through the 30-day operational demo in Phase 4. We do not sell equipment. We do not have IP conflicts with your technology. We stay from groundbreaking through production.
We are looking to partner as a subrecipient under Topic Area 1 and Topic Area 2 with companies that have the technology, feedstock and offtake relationships and need a proven EPC partner to get their facility designed, built and running. |
| PA |
| | Quinn Process Equipment | Eric Smeltzer | President |
Small Business
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| Process Equipment | Quinn Process Equipment is a U.S.-based engineering and manufacturing company specializing in the design, fabrication, and integration of advanced systems for the hydrometallurgical processes. The company provides pilot and commercial scale equipment to support the development and scale up of critical material supply chains.
QPEC supports hydrometallurgical and chemical processing applications such as flotation, leaching, precipitation, solvent extraction, and purification for lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, and almost all critical materials.
We focus on delivering custom engineered equipment, modular pilot systems, and integrated process solutions that help partners transition from lab scale to demonstration and commercial manufacturing. The company brings 50+ years of experience in scale up, system integration, and process reliability to support rare earth processing initiatives.
QPEC is looking to partner with companies developing or scaling battery materials, recycling processes, or critical mineral production that require pilot or commercial scale process equipment and system integration support. |
| CO |
| | Flathead Recycling | Andrew Rech | Owner/Operator |
Small Business
|
Other
| Battery Recycling and E-waste Recovery | Our organization is a regional recycling operator based in Northwest Montana, specializing in the collection and recovery of lithium, nickel, and alkaline batteries, as well as electronic waste (e-waste). We aggregate, sort, and prepare materials for transport to certified downstream refiners, ensuring safe handling and responsible processing.
Projected initial throughput is approximately 15,000 pounds per month, with capacity to scale as collection networks expand. We are currently the only provider in this rural region offering dedicated battery and e-waste recovery services, addressing a critical gap in the domestic materials supply chain.
Core capabilities include:
Collection logistics across geographically dispersed rural communities
Safe handling, sorting, and consolidation of mixed battery chemistries
E-waste breakdown and material separation for efficient downstream processing
Partnerships with certified refiners for responsible material recovery
Willingness to serve as a pilot site for rural recycling, circular economy, and critical materials recovery initiatives
We are interested in partnering on projects related to battery recycling, critical mineral recovery, waste diversion, rural infrastructure development, and scalable collection models in underserved regions. |
| MT |
| | Environmental Decontamination Limited | Hunter Anderson | Chief Strategy Officer |
Individual
|
Other
| DOE NOFO Teaming | EDL specializes in high efficiency dry grinding via a proprietary high-speed horizontal stirred ball mill reactor. We seek industrial partners that specialize in downstream REE recovery for collaborative pilot testing of a fully integrated worksheet. We can custom build a plant of any scale. |
| TX |
| | AMOG Consulting | Andrew Kilner | President |
Small Business
|
Other
| Systems Safety Engineering including Process and Functional Safety. Structural and Mechanical Engineering for the Mining and Mineral Processing Industry. Digital Solutions for Mining and Mineral Processing Applications | Specialist Engineering Consultants with 25+ years of experience in Mining and Mineral Processing Industry.
R&D Capable, have developed several commercially successful solutions from TRL 1 to 10; high level of knowledge in Systems Safety, Structural, Mechanical and Digital Engineering. |
| TX |
| | Portland State University | ilke celik | Assistant Professor |
Academic
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Workforce and Economic Development
| | My research specializes in the techno-economic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) of advanced manufacturing and recycling processes, with a specific focus on emerging solar photovoltaics. I offer expertise in leading multi-disciplinary teams for AREA 2 and AREA 3 applications, providing robust cost-modeling and sustainability frameworks to validate the economic viability and environmental impact of proposed technology routes |
| OR |
| | T5 Smackover Operating, LLC | Cole Fisher | Project Lead/Principal Investigator |
Small Business
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| Battery Materials Processing & Battery Manufacturing and Recycling Grant Programs | T5 Smackover Partners: Critical Minerals Project
T5 Smackover Partners is developing a 10,000+ Acre direct lithium extraction (DLE) project in East Texas targeting the Smackover Formation — a Late Jurassic carbonate sequence buried 10,000–13,000 feet beneath Titus, Franklin, and Hopkins Counties. The formation hosts hypersaline brine with total dissolved solids exceeding 300,000 mg/L, carrying lithium concentrations among the highest of any documented North American formation, alongside record-level concentrations of strontium and magnesium, and commercially significant bromine and potassium. T5's confirmed brine assay registers a record Americas commingled critical minerals concentration of 707 ppm — the highest commingled brine documented in the Western Hemisphere. T5's confirmation well (T5 Blondie Lady #1, complete Q4 2025) confirmed brine at 12,200 feet. A W.D. Von Gonten & Co. third-party reservoir report validates 50+ year life resource estimates.
DLE selectively captures lithium from produced brine using sorbent or electrochemical processes — no evaporation ponds, no hard-rock mining, dramatically lower land disturbance. Post-extraction brine is reinjected into the subsurface. The result is domestic, battery-grade lithium production at a fraction of the environmental footprint of conventional methods, with bromine, potassium, strontium, and magnesium as co-product revenue streams. T5's pilot DLE unit — targeting 5,000 tones LCE annually — is on track to go live in Q4 2026, with first commercial-scale production of 30,000–50,000 tones LCE targeted by mid-2027. T5's five-pad, 40-well development plan scales from there 4-8x.
Why This Matters to DOE
The US currently produces virtually no domestic lithium compared to our adversaries, leaving battery manufacturers, auto OEMs, and defense supply chains dependent on foreign sources. T5 directly addresses this gap. The project is shovel-ready, subsurface-confirmed, and located entirely on US soil in a jurisdiction with established regulatory infrastructure. DOE investment — through grants would accelerate a project that derisks the domestic critical minerals supply chain immediately, reduces dependency on Chinese processing, and establishes a replicable production model for the broader Smackover corridor. T5 is exactly the kind of asset DOE's critical minerals mandate was designed to support, and the model is scalable to 50,000 + tons per year of American Critical Minerals. |
| TX |
| | Virginia Tech | Liyan Zhu | Assistant Professor |
Academic
|
Energy Storage
| Topic Area 3: Domestic Battery Materials and Component Manufacturing | Background:
Assistant Professor at Virginia Tech.
Faculty member of the Center for Power Electronics Systems (CPES).
Research works on power electronics, converter design, and control.
Interest:
Interested in collaborations on domestic battery materials and component manufacturing.
Particularly interested in manufacturing process electrification and equipment power systems.
Open to working with industry teams on battery component, electrode, current collector, and specialty metal manufacturing.
Capabilities:
High-efficiency power conversion.
Converter design and control.
Power architecture for manufacturing equipment and facilities.
System integration and energy-efficiency optimization.
Support for design, validation, and scale-up of electrified manufacturing systems. |
| VA |
| | University of Iowa | Hongtao Ding | Professor |
Academic
|
Advanced Manufacturing
| | Our work focuses on converting oxide scrap of key battery materials (nickel, cobalt, copper) directly into functional components using hydrogen-assisted laser processing. We are interested in joining or supporting any teams working in this space. |
| IA |
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