More than a new source of revenue, extracting lithium from produced water could allow natural gas and oil industry players to achieve environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, informed sources told NGI.

The level of interest in lithium extraction produced water, aka brines, among exploration and production companies, oilfield services firms and others is “growing,” said Lium Research partner Joseph Triepke.

“Three to five years ago, almost no one was talking seriously about it,” he said. “In the past 12-24 months, conversations have become more serious and it has been a hot topic at events we host through the Oilfield Water Connection” industry event. 

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