Summary:EnergyX and Compass Minerals to build a 30,000 tpa lithium plant in Utah. Powered by DLE technology, Project Powder Hound strengthens US domestic lithium supply from Great Salt Lake brines....
In a landmark move for the U.S. battery supply chain, EnergyX and Compass Minerals have announced plans to develop a commercial-scale lithium plant in Utah near the Great Salt Lake. Dubbed Project Powder Hound, this 30,000-ton-per-annum (tpa) facility will leverage EnergyX’s proprietary direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology to unlock one of America’s largest undeveloped lithium brine resources, addressing critical gaps in US domestic lithium supply.
Project Overview: A Strategic Utah Lithium Hub
The Ogden, Utah, site—owned by Compass Minerals—hosts an identified resource of 2.4 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), making it one of the richest lithium brine regions in the U.S. Under the memorandum of understanding (MoU), EnergyX will fund, design, construct, and operate the facility, with a total investment of approximately $400 million across two phases. At full capacity, the project is projected to generate over $600 million in annual revenue.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Project Name | Project Powder Hound™ |
| Location | Ogden, Utah (Great Salt Lake) |
| Capacity | 30,000 tpa battery-grade lithium |
| Technology | EnergyX GET-Lit™ DLE |
| Resource | 2.4 Mt LCE (indicated) |
| Investment | $400M (two phases) |
| Expected Revenue | $600M+ annually |
Unlike traditional evaporation pond operations, which are water-intensive and slow, DLE lithium extraction enables rapid, selective lithium recovery from hypersaline brines. EnergyX’s GET-Lit™ technology, backed by 140+ patents, achieves recovery rates of 87–92% while minimizing environmental impact.
Technological Edge: DLE vs. Traditional Brine Processing
Traditional lithium production from brines relies on solar evaporation, a process that takes 12–18 months and consumes vast amounts of water. In contrast, EnergyX’s DLE technology extracts lithium in hours, using ion-exchange media to capture lithium ions while returning depleted brine to the lake—a sustainable, non-consumptive model.
Key advantages for the Utah lithium brine project include:
Speed: DLE completes extraction in hours vs. months for evaporation ponds.
Efficiency: 87–92% lithium recovery vs. 50–70% for conventional methods.
Sustainability: Minimal water use; brine is reinjected, preserving Great Salt Lake levels.
Scalability: Modular design allows phased expansion to meet market demand.
Strategic Significance for U.S. Energy Security
The Great Salt Lake lithium project arrives at a pivotal moment for the U.S., which currently relies on foreign sources for over 90% of its lithium. As electric vehicle (EV) adoption accelerates and demand for battery-grade lithium surges, Project Powder Hound will become one of the first commercial-scale DLE facilities in the U.S., strengthening domestic supply chains and reducing geopolitical reliance.
Compass Minerals brings decades of brine processing expertise to the venture, with existing potash and magnesium operations at the site providing ready-made infrastructure—reducing development risks and upfront costs. EnergyX, backed by General Motors, adds cutting-edge DLE technology and global lithium project experience.
Development Timeline & Outlook
Construction of Project Powder Hound is targeted to begin in 2028, with phase one (11,000 tpa) operational by 2030 and full 30,000 tpa capacity online by 2032. The facility will produce battery-grade lithium carbonate and hydroxide, catering to EV manufacturers and energy storage developers across North America.
For mining operators and investors, the Utah lithium plant represents a blueprint for sustainable, domestic critical mineral production. By combining Compass Minerals’ infrastructure with EnergyX’s DLE innovation, Project Powder Hound demonstrates how advanced technologies can unlock untapped resources while aligning with environmental goals.
Conclusion
The EnergyX and Compass Minerals lithium plant in Utah marks a transformative step for the U.S. lithium industry. As Project Powder Hound, this 30,000 tpa DLE facility will leverage the Great Salt Lake’s vast brine resources to deliver sustainable, domestic lithium supply—reducing reliance on foreign imports and powering the clean energy transition. With strong technical, geological, and strategic advantages, this project is poised to become a cornerstone of America’s future lithium supply chain.
