At the recent C.R.I.T. Conference, Zach Maurer, geologist and entrepreneur with Arizona Lithium, delivered an insightful presentation on the future of lithium production, focusing on the transformative potential of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) for Southeast Saskatchewan’s economy.
Maurer founded Prairie Lithium in 2016 after graduating from the University of Regina, inspired by the need to explore alternative resources following the downturn in oil. His interest in Saskatchewan’s deep brines led to the creation of Prairie Lithium, which was acquired by Arizona Lithium in 2022. He now serves on the board and continues to advance the Prairie Lithium Project near Estevan.
Maurer traced the evolution of lithium extraction, contrasting traditional, high-footprint techniques in South America and Australia with DLE, which uses lithium-selective absorbents to isolate lithium from brine in minutes—eliminating the need for massive evaporation ponds and greatly reducing environmental harm.
Southeast Saskatchewan’s Duperow Formation, located 2.4 kilometres underground, hosts some of Canada’s highest-grade lithium brines. This 140-metre-thick formation contains zones with highly concentrated lithium, offering significant economic potential.
Unlike conventional methods that require harsh chemicals, DLE uses minimal reagents, making the process more sustainable. It also cuts processing time from months to hours and lowers costs—key advantages in the global lithium market.
Maurer acknowledged China’s lead in lithium supply chains but sees an opportunity for Saskatchewan to build innovative, local alternatives. Arizona Lithium plans to scale up production, with phase one targeting 150 tons per year. The first commercial-scale extraction module is being built in partnership with Koch Technology Solutions. As the technology proves out, further expansion is planned.
As global demand for lithium surges—driven by electric vehicle growth—Saskatchewan is well-positioned to help meet that demand. Maurer emphasized that even with large-scale production, only a fraction of the Duperow resource would be utilized, and the brines remain stable over decades, ensuring long-term viability.
While brine water isn't currently recycled back into the formation, Maurer said it's an avenue they may explore to foster strong relationships with the oil and gas sector. Employment is also expected to grow, with contractors from oil and gas supporting the project and full-time staff managing operations, logistics, and accounting.
Maurer also hinted at future opportunities to extract other valuable minerals like iodine and strontium once infrastructure is in place.
With cutting-edge technology, vast resources, and a focus on sustainability, Saskatchewan is poised to become a key player in the global clean energy transition. As Maurer put it, “Direct lithium extraction takes a process that takes two years in South America and does it in a matter of minutes or hours—with no waste and a much smaller environmental footprint.”