The lithium-focused subsidiary of Allied Copper plans to test the DLE process in a "simulated commercial environment."

To achieve this, Volt said it will extract lithium out of oilfield brine from its Rainbow Lake project in Northwest Alberta. During the June quarter, Volt anticipates processing up to 250,000 litres of brine.

"The start-up of the pilot project represents a significant milestone and positive step forward for the entire Volt team," said Alex Wylie, founder of Volt.

He continued: "Our objective is to achieve high lithium recoveries from oilfield brine in scale while also generating compelling economics from the Pilot Project designed to demonstrate our ability to profitably recover lithium from oilfield brine."

 Earlier this year, the lithium company reported successfully removing 99% of the contaminants in Stage One of its two-stage process. Additionally, it was reported that Volt reached a new record lithium recovery rate from oilfield brines using the DLE technology.

"The Volt team has achieved a technological breakthrough by demonstrating the ability to recover up to 93% of lithium from oilfield brines using our proprietary IES-200 direct lithium extraction technology," Wylie said at the time.