- Prairie Lithium's Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) unit - described as North America's largest commercial DLE system - has been delivered to its Saskatchewan project, with installation and commissioning targeted for Q4 2026.
- The four-column commercial-scale unit is approximately four times larger than the commercial system currently deployed at Standard Lithium's Arkansas project.
- Supporting infrastructure, including production and disposal wells, a power transformer, and electrical systems, was already in place prior to the equipment's arrival.
- Prairie Lithium has secured all necessary regulatory approvals and a binding offtake agreement with Hydro Lithium covering 100 per cent of Phase 1 production.
- Executive Chairman Paul Lloyd stated the delivery represents a defining milestone, with the company now well positioned to become one of North America's leading commercial DLE producers.
10 July 2026 – Perth, WA | Prairie Lithium (ASX: PL9) has moved closer to Phase 1 commercial lithium production after North America’s largest commercial Direct Lithium Extraction unit arrived at its Saskatchewan project, clearing the way for installation and commissioning targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026.
The four-column commercial-scale system has been delivered to a site where Prairie Lithium has already constructed production and disposal wells and installed electrical infrastructure, including a power transformer.
Its arrival brings the project’s principal processing equipment together with the supporting infrastructure required to advance its first commercial phase.
Direct Lithium Extraction, or DLE, uses purpose-built processing equipment to recover lithium directly from brine. The technology forms the centrepiece of Prairie Lithium’s phased development model in Saskatchewan.
For investors, the milestone reduces a key project execution risk by placing the commercial-scale equipment on site ahead of installation and commissioning.
Prairie Lithium has also secured regulatory approvals and a binding agreement with Hydro Lithium covering 100 per cent of Phase 1 production. The offtake provides a defined pathway from commissioning to the company’s first revenue.
The company said its DLE unit was approximately four times larger than the commercial system currently deployed at Standard Lithium’s Arkansas project. The comparison demonstrates the scale of Prairie Lithium’s initial development, although installation and commissioning must still be completed before production can begin.
Prairie Lithium Executive Chairman Paul Lloyd said:
“The arrival of North America’s largest commercial Direct Lithium Extraction unit marks another defining milestone for the company as we advance towards becoming one of North America’s newest commercial lithium producers.
“Over the past 18 months we have continued to execute against each of the major milestones required to advance Prairie Lithium toward commercial production.
“We have de-risked the project through regulatory approvals, construction of key site infrastructure, securing a binding 100% offtake agreement with Hydro Lithium and now the delivery of the commercial DLE unit.
“Supported by our existing infrastructure, scalable development model and binding offtake agreement, Prairie Lithium is well positioned to become one of North America’s leading commercial Direct Lithium Extraction projects.”
Prairie Lithium will now progress the installation of the unit and its integration with the project’s existing wells and power infrastructure.
Commissioning remains targeted for the fourth quarter of 2026 as the company advances Phase 1 towards commercial production.
About us:
About the Prairie Lithium Project
PL9’s Prairie Lithium Project is located in Saskatchewan, Canada, one of the world’s top mining friendly jurisdictions, with key infrastructure including electricity, natural gas, fresh water, paved highways and railroads. The project is being advanced with a focus on scalable lithium brine production and efficient development, leveraging existing regional infrastructure and the Company’s phased development model.
Contact details:
Jane Morgan
Jane Morgan Management
Investor & Media Relations
[email protected]
