One World Lithium Advances Direct Extraction Research
The company delivered nanobubble technology to universities to support a forthcoming mobile pilot plant for lithium production.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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One World Lithium has delivered specialized nanobubble generators to the University of California Irvine and the University of British Columbia. This equipment will support research into direct lithium carbonation extraction using carbon dioxide.
Why it matters
The project aims to simplify lithium production by replacing traditional acid-heavy methods with a single-step process. This research seeks to scale laboratory success into a functional mobile pilot plant capable of extracting lithium from natural brines.
One World Lithium issued 7,547,142 units at a price of CAD $0.035 per unit in August 2026. The new research initiative involves two patent-pending applications initially identified by laboratory teams in June 2023.
The players
One World Lithium
This is a mineral exploration company focused on developing lithium extraction technologies.
University of California Irvine
This public research university is hosting part of the research and development initiative.
University of British Columbia
This public research university in Canada is partnering with the company to test extraction technology.
Moleaer
This organization specializes in nanobubble technology and is participating in the research engagement.
The details
The technology uses carbon dioxide nanobubbles to separate lithium without the need for sulfuric acids, soda ash, or sorbents. Researchers plan to use the new equipment to evaluate the co-production of other minerals including sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
Timeline
June 2023: Laboratory teams identified two patent-pending applications.
June 2026: One World Lithium engaged universities and Moleaer for research.
August 2026: The company closed its first tranche of private placement.
October 2026: Nanobubble generators were delivered to the laboratories.
Early 2027: Construction is scheduled to begin on the mobile pilot plant.
Roadmap
This project represents a push to streamline the lithium supply chain by eliminating the chemical-heavy steps currently standard in the industry. It positions the technology against traditional multi-stage concentration methods used to refine lithium for electric vehicle batteries.
Developing more efficient extraction methods could eventually lower the production costs associated with the lithium-ion batteries powering electric vehicles. These advancements aim to simplify the refining process, potentially reducing the environmental footprint of battery material sourcing.
The takeaway
Direct extraction methods prioritize efficiency by bypassing the need for hazardous chemicals and multiple concentration stages. Implementing these technologies at scale could fundamentally change how lithium is harvested from natural brines for the global battery market.
What happens next
Construction of the mobile pilot plant for direct lithium carbonation extraction is scheduled to begin in early 2027.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest innovations in battery production on our Electric Vehicles section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MINING.
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