The partnership aims to combine E3 Lithium’s expertise in lithium-from-brine development with Axens’ advanced technologies to address growing global demand for secure critical mineral supply chains. Under the MOU, both companies will qualify each other’s products with the goal of a mutually beneficial collaboration. Following successful qualification, two separate agreements are proposed: one for the sale of lithium carbonate from E3 Lithium’s Clearwater Project in Alberta, Canada, for use by Axens in Europe, and the other for Axens to supply its proprietary lithium selective sorbent for E3 Lithium’s DLE operations. Neither agreement will be dependent on the other.
The MOU sets out key milestones to guide progress toward binding definitive agreements. E3 Lithium will produce battery-grade lithium at its Demonstration Facility for Axens’ review and qualification. Simultaneously, E3 Lithium will validate Axens’ sorbent through standard testing to confirm suitability for its DLE processes. Both companies are committed to completing these qualification steps promptly and working together on potential funding options to be defined in the definitive agreements.
Chris Doornbos, President and CEO of E3 Lithium, said: “The MOU with Axens represents a mutually beneficial and symbiotic agreement that significantly de-risks the Clearwater Project. Axens has the proven capabilities to produce sorbent on a commercial scale and de-risks E3 Lithium’s supply chain for the critical reagent. E3 Lithium’s ability to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate on site without secondary processing enables a direct sale into the European market, a key differentiator for the Company. We are very excited to be collaborating with the team at Axens as we work through the mutual qualification objectives.”
Quentin Debuisschert, CEO of Axens, added: “This agreement with E3 Lithium greatly supports Axens’ efforts to develop a high-performance sorbent for Direct Lithium Extraction. More generally, it shows the interest of industrial players in Axens’ technologies and products in the field of low carbon mobility. Axens is excited to continue moving forward with E3 Lithium to advance our respective projects on battery materials developments in the common interest of both companies.”
The collaboration represents a strategic step for both companies to strengthen supply chain security and accelerate the development of lithium-based products for the growing battery and clean energy markets. By combining E3 Lithium’s production capabilities with Axens’ technology expertise, the partnership aims to deliver efficient, high-quality lithium carbonate and advanced extraction reagents to support industrial-scale operations and the European market.
This MOU marks the beginning of a coordinated effort to advance lithium extraction technologies, enhance operational efficiency, and provide reliable access to critical materials needed for the global transition to low-carbon mobility and energy storage solutions.
