Reed Advanced Materials Pty Ltd (RAM) is commercialising The ELi Process™, a patented process that converts processed lithium chloride brines sourced from salar brines, geothermal brines, oilfield/produced waters and hard rock processed solutions, into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate—aiming to lower costs, reduce carbon emissions, and fuel the global energy transition.
As an essential material in lithium-ion batteries, lithium production and supply is critical for driving the global shift toward cleaner energy and advanced technologies. It supports the creation of two primary compounds that are essential in battery production:
A key ingredient in the cathode of high-power density battery formulations, e.g. long-range electric vehicles.
The key ingredient in lower power density lithium-ion batteries, which power electric cars and large-scale energy storage solutions that underpin the shift to renewable power grids. Also traditionally used in glass and ceramics to increase strength and heat resistance.
Decarbonisation: Enables the transition to low-emission transport and energy storage.
Industrial Versatility: Beyond batteries, used in pharmaceuticals, greases, and specialty chemicals.
Strategic Resource: Central to global efforts in meeting climate targets and achieving energy independence
The rapidly growing sector, where lithium ion batteries are fuelling the rise of greener transport.
Grid-scale battery systems rely on lithium to balance power supply and demand.
Laptops, smartphones, and other devices rely on lithium-based power sources.
Glass, ceramics, and specialty chemicals benefit from lithium’s unique properties.
Lithium’s light weight and high energy density enable longer flight times for drones and efficient power for advanced robotics.
Discover how the ELi Process™ uses innovative electrolysis methods to facilitate lower cost, high purity lithium production. Each point demonstrates our commitment to efficiency, environmental responsibility, and commercial versatility.
The ELi Process™ replaces the consumption of large quantities of lime (Ca(OH)₂) and sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃) with electric power (via membrane electrolysis) to eliminate the need for expensive bulk reagents. This shift streamlines procurement and logistics, while internal recycling of lithium hydroxide purge streams and hydrochloric acid (HCl) further drives down OPEX.
By minimising bulk reagent usage, the technology reduces the scale of supply chains and cuts associated carbon emissions. Fewer shipments and less frequent transportation shrink the overall carbon footprint, and renewable electricity can be integrated to further decrease CO₂ output
The ELi Process™ produces lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) at battery-grade quality, as desired by the market. The hydroxide can be converted at low cost into high purity lithium carbonate, in a simple process that sequesters carbon dioxide. Furthermore the ELi Prcoess™ generates hydrochloric acid (HCI) from hydrogen and chlorine by-products. The HCl can be reused or sold, potentially creating an additional revenue stream while reducing waste.
Conventional processes often yield large volumes of calcium carbonate and sodium sulphate (low value and saturated market), which may require costly disposal. The ELi Process™ is designed to minimise the production of these low-value by-products, cutting waste streams and improving environmental outcomes.
Our preferred commercial framework is a licensing model, offering flexibility across hard rock and brine feed sources for producing Lithium Hydroxide Monohydrate (LHM) and Lithium Carbonate (LC) at various commercial scales.
The patented ELi Process™ uses electrolysis to produce LHM and LC from lithium-containing processed feedstocks, such as brines or hard rock. RAM owns and holds 19 granted patents to the ELi Process™ worldwide (that include major lithium resource regions) and has made applications for a further 14 patents.
It is envisioned that the ELi Process™ will be licenced to lithium producers for non-exclusive production of high-purity LHM and LC.
RAM aims to commercialise the ELi Process™ through the provision of services that may include:
Lithium-ion batteries are a key enabler of modern technology, with their cost shaping the affordability and accessibility of a wide range of applications. The price of lithium itself plays a pivotal role in battery production economics, influencing supply chains and industry growth. To ensure continued technological progress and commercial viability, securing a stable and competitively priced lithium supply at scale is essential. With demand rising steadily, the industry must focus on expanding production capacity and identifying new resource opportunities. The long-term success of this expansion will depend on maintaining a careful balance -ensuring production remains economically viable while keeping lithium prices at levels that support sustainable market growth.
Conventional lithium conversion methods are becoming less compatible with the goal of sustainably producing large volumes at low cost in reasonable price environments. Typical conversion of lithium into high purity carbonate and hydroxide requires large quantities of bulk chemical reagents, often through very long-distance supply chains that carry large carbon footprints.
Meanwhile, battery industry requirements for lithium compound purity continue to increase. Exploitation of new resource types is being enabled by new extraction methods such as Direct Lithium Extraction (“DLE”) that need efficient conversion into high purity compounds. The ELi Process™ aims to address these challenges head-on by offering a more sustainable and efficient production process that aims to reduces operational costs (OPEX) and lowers emissions.
Without reliable, sustainable lithium production in sufficient quantities, the EV and clean energy revolution could stall, as Lithium resource availability is not the issue today. Innovative solutions like the ELi Process™ are crucial to help ensure an affordable, scalable, low-carbon supply of lithium, ultimately, facilitating the electrification of mobility solutions and the global transition to renewable energy. Because that’s where the transition begins—at the very start of the value chain.
We are a technology company focused on delivering cost-effective solutions for lithium producers. Through the ELi Process™, we aim to streamline the journey from raw feedstock to battery-grade materialsby reducing costs and environmental impact.
The ELi Process™ converts aqueous lithium chloride (LiCl) solutions that have been extracted from brines or hard rock sources into LHM and, if needed, LC.
How It Works – Key Process Stages:
Battery & EV Manufacturing: By reducing OPEX and lowering emissions, the ELi Process™ makes lithium chemicals more competitive and sustainable—crucial for high-performance EV batteries.
Mining & Resource Extraction: Primary extraction companies can integrate the ELi Process™ to convert LiCl brines or hard-rock Li solutions on-site, streamlining the downstream path to battery-grade products.
Large-Scale Energy Storage: Reliable, low-CO₂ lithium hydroxide is essential for stationary energy storage systems. The ELi Process™ ensures a secure, cost-effective supply chain.
Reed Advanced Materials Pty Ltd (“RAM”) is a 70:30 joint venture formed between Neometals Ltd, a company that facilitates and delivers stakeholder value by enabling the sustainable production of critical and valuable materials essential for a cleaner future, and Mineral Resources Limited, a leading diversified resources company with extensive operations in lithium, iron ore, energy and mining services across Western Australia.
The companies have rich and successful experience in the lithium industry, including the joint development of Western Australia’s Mt Marion Hard Rock Lithium Mine which is now one of the world’s largest producers of high-grade lithium concentrate.
Conventional lithium hydroxide production requires multiple chemical reactions, intensive reagent use, and large carbon footprints, which can hinder both profitability and sustainability. The ELi Process™, our proprietary process, was conceived to transform this paradigm.
Through the ELi Process™, we aim to reduce CAPEX, OPEX, minimise CO₂ emissions, and accelerate the global shift toward cleaner batteries. Our vision is to commercialise a solution that not only boosts business but also protects the environment.
Director
A veteran of the lithium mining sector, Chris Reed leads Neometals Ltd in championing the decarbonisation of critical minerals. His extensive industry experience and strategic vision have helped to drive the company’s transition from traditional resource extraction to a cutting-edge developer of advanced battery materials. Under his leadership, the company strives to set new benchmarks for sustainability, efficiency, and innovation in the global clean energy landscape.
Strategic Advisor, Commercial
Has over 30 years of experience in the critical materials sector, including expertise in lithium, tantalum, and vanadium. He holds a degree in Metallurgy and has a strong track record in maximising commercial performance and strategic development. Previously, he served as Chief Operating Officer and Head of Lithium at Neometals Ltd. He is currently Strategic Advisor, Commercial to RAM, focusing on innovative lithium conversion processes.
Development focused on proof of electrolysis concept (using synthetic LiCl solutions) and assessing the digestion of spodumene concentrates in hydrochloric acid. RAM successfully established that the ELi Process™ is technically sound and economically viable, through a feasibility study for a 20,000tpa production plant in Malaysia.
NMT announcement “ELi Process – EU Project Presentation” 13 December 2021
Development focused on adapting the purification stage of the ELi Process™ to the different impurity profiles arising from conventional solar concentration, DLE extraction processes and various subsurface sources.
Conducted at 3rd Party lab using synthetic and proprietary brine solutions to develop the purification and the electrolysis flowsheets.
Brine Engineering Cost Study:
NMT announcement "Engineering Cost Study Results Summary"
26 April 2023
Pilot Testing Campaign testing:
NMT announcement "Results of Piloting Campaign achieving Battery Grade LHM"
12 November 2024
MoU with Rio Tinto for ELi Process
The Company executed a Non-binding MoU with a subsidiary of Rio Tinto to discuss and explore opportunities to collaborate in relation to potential validation of the ELi ProcessTM Technology (“ELi”).
To undertake construction and conduct of demonstration plant trials to validate the ELi Process™ for industrial scal-up.
Reed Advanced Materials Pty Ltd
ACN 142 876 211
Level 1/1292, Hay St
West Perth WA 6005
