This session explores the key performance metrics that impact the overall capital cost of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) systems, providing a framework for evaluating cost-effective solutions in lithium production. 

• The most capital-efficient DLE solution is not always the one that produces the highest lithium eluate quality. 
• Avoiding the heating of inlet brine and eluent is essential for reducing costs and improving efficiency. 
• Modularity can be beneficial, but overly small-scale systems may drive up costs unnecessarily.