International Battery Metals CEO touts DLE technology and readiness for Lithium market rebound

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e6825SkKBa8

International Battery Metals CEO Joseph Mills joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the company’s proprietary direct lithium extraction technology, its strategic vision, and why he believes the company is uniquely positioned for success in a rapidly evolving lithium market. Mills, who brings over 45 years of experience in the global energy sector, recently joined IBAT after recognizing the company’s potential to revolutionize lithium production. “I saw a real opportunity with IBAT. I think our technology is superior. It’s also very cost-effective,” he noted. Though IBAT is currently pre-revenue, Mills expressed strong confidence in its readiness to scale and its alignment with long-term market demand. Founded in 2018 and publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange, International Battery Metals has focused on developing a proprietary DLE system created by renowned chemist and founder Dr. John Burba. Unlike conventional brine evaporation or chemically intensive methods, IBAT’s system uses an adsorption-based process that requires no chemical reagents, offering high lithium recovery rates of up to 98–99%. In addition, the system is engineered to recycle 94–95% of the water used, significantly reducing environmental impact and aligning with global sustainability standards. One of the standout features of IBAT’s technology is its scalable, modular, and mobile design. Mills emphasized the importance of deployment speed and adaptability, explaining that IBAT’s lithium extraction systems can be deployed in as little as 4 to 6 weeks in some locations. This agility opens doors for partnerships with lithium producers around the world looking to accelerate timelines and reduce costs. Looking to the near future, IBAT plans to deploy its demonstration plant, which will serve as a critical validation point for potential customers and investors. Mills believes that as lithium prices begin to recover to historical averages, the demand for efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible extraction technologies will surge—and IBAT is prepared to meet that demand.