DLE is gaining traction as a potential route to unlock domestic lithium supply in Europe, particularly from more complex and previously uneconomic resources. While technology is advancing rapidly, the key question is whether it can deliver consistent, cost-effective production at scale.

• What has been demonstrated at scale, and where do technical and operational gaps remain?
• How are different DLE technologies performing across varied resources and brine compositions?
• Can innovation improve recovery rates, consistency and overall project economics?
• What can Europe learn from DLE projects and technologies being developed globally?
• What needs to be demonstrated for projects to secure financing, long-term offtake and downstream customers?
• How should new European lithium extraction projects integrate with domestic conversion and refining capacity?
• What specifications do refiners and battery customers need from emerging lithium producers?
• Does Europe have sufficient refining capacity to turn new domestic lithium supply into battery-grade chemicals?
• Ultimately, when could DLE become a meaningful source of supply for Europe’s battery value chain?