By: 01net.

International Battery Metals Ltd. (IBAT) has entered into an 18-month exclusive collaboration agreement with a major Middle East energy services provider. The agreement is for the two companies to jointly pursue direct lithium extraction (DLE) opportunities across the Middle East region. The partnership involves joint participation in proposals and tenders.

Joe Mills, Chief Executive Officer of IBAT, stated that the partnership opens a new market for the company in a region with substantial lithium brine resources and growing industrial demand. He noted that the Middle Eastern partner provides regional relationships and market knowledge, while IBAT contributes its direct lithium extraction technology.

The company's technology is based on proprietary lithium extraction media housed in patented extraction columns. These columns are enclosed in modular, transportable skid-mounted platforms designed for deployment within a reasonably short time frame. The company's focus is on advancing the extraction of lithium chloride from groundwater salt brine and produced water deposits.