A future powered by electric vehicles and battery energy storage depends on lithium chemicals. However, producing these materials can generate tens of tonnes of CO₂ and other wastes for every tonne of lithium chemical produced, making conventional extraction methods a significant environmental challenge.
Chemical engineer Steven Vassiloudis recognised the need for a cleaner, more sustainable way to extract lithium from spodumene—an abundant lithium-bearing rock found in Western Australia and other parts of the world.
“The current ‘industry standard’ approach for processing hard-rocks involves burning natural gas to heat crushed spodumene concentrate to ~1100⁰C,” Vassiloudis explained in a founder’s manifesto.
“This is then roasted in sulphuric acid, a chemical commonly used in leaching, that draws out lithium along with a host of unwanted by-products. The resulting lithium sulphate must then be further processed to separate it from these impurities and converted to a usable form, producing tonnes of harmful by-products and waste.”
Determined to change this, Vassiloudis came across an innovative technology with the potential to revolutionise lithium production—one that could deliver low-cost, low-impact lithium chemicals while avoiding the downsides of traditional processing.
Novalith was founded to develop and commercialise this new approach.
Novalith’s technology significantly reduces production costs, plant costs, and plant footprint which will make lithium cheaper and more sustainable, accelerating the transition toward an electric future. “Our technology uses much less water and generates none of the harmful bulk wastes that plagues conventional production, and emits less than half the CO₂ per tonne of lithium chemical produced,” said Vassiloudis.
Since its inception, Novalith has raised $42 million in capital to accelerate its deep-tech development, including the successful completion of a pilot plant in Sydney, Australia.
Novalith’s next goal is to develop a commercial lithium refinery in the USA’s “Battery Belt”—a major hub for electric vehicle and battery manufacturing.
This facility will be capable of processing spodumene from global suppliers, including those in the USA, Canada, and Australia, supporting a more sustainable and secure North American lithium supply chain.
By challenging conventional thinking and pioneering a cleaner way forward, Novalith is helping to ensure that lithium production keeps pace with demand—without the environmental cost.
