Mexico Develops Technology for Battery-Grade Lithium From Clay

The Center for Advanced Materials Research (CIMAV) developed and patented a technology to achieve 99% purity for lithium extracted from clay deposits, President Claudia Sheinbaum announced. This purity level is considered battery-grade, a key step in the country's efforts to develop its lithium resources.

President Sheinbaum noted that the primary challenge now is to transition this patented technology into a cost-effective, large-scale production model. "You can have the patent, but sometimes the costs are not accessible for mass development; so, it is moving to the second phase of work to be able to develop it," she explained.

President Sheinbaum also noted that this is one of several technological development efforts underway. The Mexican Oil Institute (CMP) is working on a separate lithium patent, and the government is also investigating the potential of extracting lithium from brines found in oil wells.

The state-owned company, LitioMx, is leading these efforts and is now working closely with the Ministry of Energy (SE) and PEMEX, on this development. President Sheinbaum confirmed that the government will continue to provide updates on the progress of LitioMx, which she described as one of 12 strategic national projects for her administration.