GeoFrame Energy Positioned to Solve the Looming Lithium Carbonate Supply Gap as Global Market Pressures Intensify

As geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, gigafactory demand and global competition with China continue to disrupt the world’s lithium supply chains, GeoFrame Energy is poised to lead the United States into a new era of domestic lithium production. Using the most innovative Ekosolve Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology and deep expertise in the Smackover Formation in East Texas, GeoFrame Energy is set to become the first company to deliver battery-grade lithium carbonate from this historic U.S. reservoir to the market. 

This major breakthrough in East Texas could be the key to solving the U.S. lithium supply challenge. GeoFrame Energy is expected to produce approximately 83,500 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually—enough to meet 100% of domestic demand. By establishing a reliable, homegrown supply, the project offers significant economic and strategic benefits. It could also mark a turning point in ending U.S. dependence on Chinese lithium imports—a win for both Texas and the Trump administration.

The urgency for a robust domestic lithium supply chain has never been greater. In February 2025, the Chinese company Jiangsu Jiuwu Hi-Tech halted exports of sorbent filtration equipment—crucial for lithium extraction—following Beijing’s proposed export controls on battery and lithium extraction technologies. This action underscores China’s strategic use of its dominance in lithium processing as leverage in global trade, highlighting the need for U.S. companies to secure independent lithium supplies.

GeoFrame Energy: First to Market 

GeoFrame Energy’s lithium project in the Smackover Formation is uniquely positioned to fill the supply gap. The company controls over 7,400 acres in East Texas containing some of the world’s highest measured lithium concentrations in deep oil-field brines. By leveraging over 20 years of proprietary research and expertise, Ekosolve has developed advanced solvent extraction “solution to solution” production methods based on Geoframe’s assay and well data from 6,764 wells, some located directly on its leased property.

“With all the pieces falling into place—from land and lithium concentrations to advanced technology and regulatory support—GeoFrame will be the first company in the Smackover Formation to deliver lithium carbonate to the market,” said Bruce Cutright, CEO at GeoFrame Energy.

According to Cutright, GeoFrame Energy’s project is more than just a lithium production facility; it is a model for environmentally and socially responsible mining. The company initially utilizes geothermal brine to generate renewable electricity via zero-emission binary cycle generators, fully powering its DLE lithium extraction and lithium carbonate production plant with green energy. Any excess electricity will be sold to the grid.

GeoFrame’s DLE process, developed by Ekosolve Inc. and the University of Melbourne, boasts:

• 92-95% lithium recovery rate 
• Green environmental footprint with a closed-loop system – no hard rock mining, solvent disposal, significant freshwater consumption or environmental damage
• Considerably lower capital and production costs compared to traditional hard rock mining, with the lowest capital intensity construction cost per metric ton of lithium carbonate produced
• A small operational footprint of less than 10 acres, low energy consumption
• Battery-grade lithium carbonate exceeding 99.5% purity

The DLE Phase 1 plant, developed in partnership with Ekosolve at GeoFrame’s site, will initially produce up to 3,000 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate each year for sale after commissioning. The first battery-grade lithium carbonate is scheduled to be ready for availability in the first quarter of 2026.

GeoFrame plans to quickly increase production and incorporate modular expansions, ultimately reaching 83,500 metric tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate per year by early 2029. This production level will significantly bolster the U.S. supply of critical minerals and establish GeoFrame Energy as a key player in the global lithium carbonate market, with an output exceeding several leading countries’ total lithium carbonate production.

Phil Thomas, President of Ekosolve Inc., commented, “We are delighted to collaborate with GeoFrame as both an investor and a production process provider on this innovative project. Over the past seven years, Ekosolve has developed a ‘green’ process that uses very little water, has no pollutants, features low-concentration chemicals, and consumes minimal power.”

GeoFrame Energy’s innovative use of geothermal energy powers its lithium extraction and does not strain the local electric grid’s supply. Thus, it offers a multi-purpose, green solution that minimizes environmental impact while supporting local economies. 

“GeoFrame Energy’s commitment to Mt. Vernon and Franklin County extends far beyond typical business practices—they’ve fostered a partnership grounded in trust, innovation, and long-term community benefits,” said Brad Hyman, Mayor of Mt. Vernon, Texas. “From the outset, their team has prioritized safety, environmental stewardship, and transparency, collaborating closely with our landowners to ensure the land is protected, respected, and ultimately restored. We had no idea our county was sitting on such a vast lithium deposit. Discovering that this natural resource could be developed cleanly and responsibly, directly benefiting our community, has been a transformative experience. This project will create well-paying local jobs, enhance our tax base, and attract new investments to our economy. This is what responsible development looks like, and Mt. Vernon is proud to be a part of it.”

GeoFrame Energy | www.geoframe-energy.com