Calgary-based Volt Lithium has entered into a field study agreement with Wellspring Hydro to trial its proprietary direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology in North Dakota’s Bakken formation.

The study is supported by an initial grant of $450 000 from the state, with potential additional funding of up to $2-million in early 2025.

The project aims to assess the viability of extracting lithium from oilfield brine, a byproduct of oil production. The Bakken formation generates about two-million barrels of lithium-infused brine daily, making it the second-largest source of such brine in the US.

“We are excited to be collaborating with Wellspring and the state of North Dakota to trial Volt’s DLE field unit in the Bakken formation in North Dakota,” said Volt president and CEO Alex Wylie.

The Bakken field study adds to Volt’s portfolio of lithium extraction initiatives, which include projects in the Permian basin in Texas and Alberta’s Keg River formation. The North Dakota study marks the deployment of Volt’s second DLE field unit in a major US oil-producing region.

"The Bakken formation generates approximately 2.0-million barrels of lithium-infused oilfield brine daily, representing the second largest producer of brine in the US. Wellspring and the State of North Dakota have been working with the Volt team for the past several months and are excited to deploy a field unit in the Bakken formation in early 2025," said Wellspring CEO Mark Watson.

The North Dakota Industrial Commission’s Research and Renewable Energy Programme has awarded the grant to encourage renewable-energy use, support local businesses, and utilise the state’s workforce. Volt and Wellspring plan to apply for additional funding to advance equipment procurement and field testing in 2025.

The collaboration reflects growing efforts to bolster North America’s critical minerals supply chain while leveraging resources from oilfield operations. If successful, the technology could play a role in enhancing energy and manufacturing sector security.

Volt specialises in developing DLE technology to extract lithium from brine sources, a method considered more environment-friendly than traditional mining. Wellspring Hydro, based in North Dakota, focuses on renewable energy and sustainable resource development.