Gradiant, a global leader in advanced water and resource recovery, has announced the launch of the world’s first fully integrated lithium production facility in Pennsylvania’s Marcellus Shale Formation. The site, developed by Gradiant’s lithium business, alkaLi, will extract, concentrate, and convert (EC²) lithium from oilfield produced water in a seamless, end-to-end process. This groundbreaking initiative follows the successful rollout of alkaLi’s EC² platform last year, which ensures a 95% minimum lithium recovery, enabling faster, more cost-effective, and sustainable production of battery-grade lithium carbonate.
Currently undergoing testing, the facility has already demonstrated exceptional performance, achieving 97% lithium recovery and 99.5% purity for lithium carbonate. Full-scale operations are expected to commence in early 2026. As part of a major commercial milestone, alkaLi has also secured a multi-year agreement to supply up to 5,000 metric tonnes annually of battery-grade lithium carbonate to a U.S. manufacturer for electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage systems (ESS). The facility’s design, which includes ownership of equipment, land, and mineral rights, positions it to become a long-term, reliable domestic supplier of lithium while avoiding delays typically associated with permitting and ownership in critical mineral projects.
alkaLi’s innovative EC² technology combines Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), concentration, and conversion into one streamlined system. Compared to traditional lithium extraction methods, EC² reduces capital and operating costs by up to 50% and offers a modular, pre-engineered approach for rapid global deployment. Additionally, the system features AI-optimized performance for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, as well as flexibility in feedwater sources such as geothermal brines, battery recycling, and produced water.
Anurag Bajpayee, CEO of Gradiant, emphasized that the Marcellus Shale facility demonstrates the scalability and viability of clean, domestic lithium production. He stated, “This isn’t just a concept; it’s a live facility proving that we can meet the surging demand for battery-grade lithium and accelerate the transition to clean energy.” The company’s forward-thinking model aims to empower industry partners, further solidifying alkaLi’s position as a leader in the sustainable production of critical minerals essential for the clean energy revolution.
alkaLi is driving the future of critical mineral recovery to support the global shift to clean energy. A spin-out of Gradiant and based in Boston, alkaLi brings together cutting-edge innovation in mineral extraction with deep expertise in advanced water and wastewater treatment. Its breakthrough EC² technology delivers efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective production of battery-grade lithium and other key elements. With strong investment backing and a solid track record, alkaLi is redefining how critical minerals are sourced for a more sustainable world.
Gradiant is not your typical water company. Founded at MIT and headquartered in Boston, Gradiant offers a comprehensive suite of proprietary, end-to-end solutions for advanced water and wastewater treatment. Serving mission-critical needs across industries such as semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, food & beverage, lithium and critical minerals, and renewable energy, Gradiant’s technologies minimize water consumption, reduce wastewater discharge, recover valuable resources, and transform wastewater into reusable freshwater. With over 1,400 employees worldwide, Gradiant continues to lead with innovation and impact.
