August 8, 2023 Today Dr. Daniel Alessi provided club members background on traditional lithium extraction techniques used in Chile and Australia. Lithium is a key mineral needed for the production of batteries used for cellphones to electric cars. Demand for lithium is growing exponentially with prices rising too. Dr. Alessi and his research team at University of Alberta, are developing technologies and processes to extract lithium from oilfield brines (salt water with high concentrations of many minerals) here in Alberta. Oil wells in Alberta, Saskatchewan and BC can be leveraged to access huge volumes of brine, however this brine contains very low concentrations of lithium. This poses unique challenges to making lithium production a viable enterprise in Alberta. However, if the technology can become commercially viable, this could be significant profitable industry for Alberta.