Japanese Battery Specialist to Produce Lithium Overseas With Rapid-Extraction Tech

(Nikkei Asia) — Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. Ltd. will start producing lithium overseas as early as 2028, Nikkei has learned, using proprietary technology that allows for fast extraction of the key battery-making material.

Lithium can be extracted from ore or from brine in salt flats. Sumitomo Metal is developing a new type of technology for a selective absorbent that separates lithium from the brine.