About Lithium
Lithium (chemical symbol ‘Li’) was formed during the Big Bang, making it one of the universe’s oldest elements. It is also the lightest metal on earth by a large margin. For comparison it is almost half the weight of the next lightest metal. Its ultra lightweight combined with lithium being the most efficient conductor of ions enables rapid charging and high-performance energy storage. This unique combination of qualities make it the most vital element in rechargeable batteries. Lithium (Li-ion) batteries play a crucial role in enabling and advancing electromobility (vehicles, drones, robotics etc), connectivity, renewable energy storage and healthcare technologies.
Lithium comes from two primary sources; hard rock and brines. Hard rock lithium, found in pegmatite formations, is mined in regions like Australia, Africa, and Brazil. Extraction involves mining and concentrating the ore to produce spodumene concentrate, which is then chemically converted into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide for use in energy storage applications.
Lithium brine, found in salt flats and underground aquifers, is another key source, with major deposits in Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. Extraction involves pumping lithium-rich brine to the surface, evaporating it to concentrate the lithium, and using chemicals to produce lithium carbonate or hydroxide.
Triple Green Lithium™
ALiGRO is committed to maintaining and protecting existing indigenous forests, planting new forests, and rehabilitating mined land for future community farming. Beyond these efforts, ALiGRO has pushed the boundaries of frontier green technologies to deliver an environmentally and ethically superior lithium raw material. This is achieved through strict adherence to three principles:
- Zero use of hazardous chemicals in the DMS recovery and upgrading process.
- Zero use of potable water for processing, with 100% process water recycling and reuse.
- Zero use of tailings dams, enabled by belt filter technology for dry stacking of waste.
We call this TripleGreenLithium™️. Through the use of TripleGreenLithium™️ world-class manufacturers of electric vehicles, energy storage, connectivity, and healthcare products can trust that their lithium battery raw materials have followed an environmentally and ethically responsible route to market.
Our
Vision and Values
“It is evident to all who engage with us that we speak proudly with assurance that we truly embody our values – community, transparency and sustainability, they are deeply ingrained in our DNA”
– Director Pius Nhlelembiso Gumbe
