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Research and Development 

Research. Refine. Revolutionise.

Driving Innovation in Lithium Production

SQMi is committed to advancing lithium extraction and processing through continuous innovation, technological development, and rigorous evaluation of its operations. Our strategic Research & Development (R&D) initiatives are central to this mission, combining in-house expertise with strong partnerships across academia and industry.

Collaborative, Purpose-Driven R&D

SQMi leads targeted R&D programs through collaboration with academic institutions, technology providers, and the operation of dedicated laboratories. Our team focuses on maximising lithium recovery using cost-effective, environmentally responsible methods aligned with sustainability principles. Key priorities include:

  • Maximising lithium recovery
  • Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
  • Improving water use efficiency
  • Minimising waste generation
  • Reducing chemical reagent use
  • Promoting circularity and responsible resource use

    • Safety, integrity, and sustainability are embedded in every R&D initiative, ensuring that innovation delivers tangible value across the lithium value chain.

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    Expertise and Capabilities

    Our R&D team is made up of qualified professionals with backgrounds in process engineering, research, and innovation, supported by advanced capabilities in simulation, computational science, mineralogy, and systems engineering. We bring decades of knowledge in lithium processing from our parent company, SQM.

    SQMi operates specialised laboratories focused on:

  • Chemical analysis
  • Advanced mineralogy
  • Process engineering
  • Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE)
  • Electrochemistry

    • A fully equipped pilot plant is currently being commissioned to validate emerging technologies under real industrial conditions.

    Flagship Initiatives

    SQMi’s R&D portfolio includes both internal projects and active technology scouting to support breakthrough solutions and foster innovation ecosystems. Two flagship initiatives currently underway include:

  • Flotation recovery enhancement: Integrating a regrinding step to recirculate tailings and improve lithium recovery.
  • Refining process optimisation: Applying DLE technologies to increase yield and reduce losses in the refining stage.

    • These initiatives aim to improve performance, scalability, and accelerate industrial implementation—shaping the future of sustainable lithium production.

    Research and Development at SQMi is driven by science, shaped by excellence and sustainability, and focused on unlocking smarter, cleaner ways to produce lithium.

    Discover SQMi

    Mt Holland Lithium Project

    The Mt Holland Lithium Project is a fully integrated operation, encompassing an open-pit mine, spodumene concentrate processing facility and a lithium hydroxide refinery delivering high-quality lithium products to the world.

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    SQMi Lithium Ventures

    Lithium Ventures is the corporate venture capital fund of SQMi. Established to invest in emerging technologies around the world to accelerate innovation across the lithium value chain.

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    About Us

    We are a global lithium business at the forefront of the clean energy transition.

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