LibertyStream Infrastructure Partners has received a US$700,000 grant to support its commercial lithium carbonate refining unit, capable of producing up to 10 tonnes per annum (tpa) of industrial and battery-grade lithium carbonate.
This funding follows the company’s partnership with Wellspring Hydro (WSH) and aligns with North Dakota’s efforts to accelerate critical minerals development within the United States.
The grant is part of Wellspring’s US$10-million state-backed facility, which includes both grants and loans, with US$4.2 million still available for future drawdown.
The initial refining unit will be deployed at LibertyStream’s Texas facility, with plans to relocate to North Dakota once the commercial direct lithium extraction (DLE) operations in the Williston Basin are complete.
The funding will help advance DLE initiatives, support local renewable energy adoption, and leverage the state’s workforce capabilities. LibertyStream and Wellspring anticipate drawing on the remaining US$4.2 million to further scale the commercial DLE facility.
The lithium carbonate unit is designed to meet the specifications required for both industrial and battery-grade applications. By producing consistent, high-quality samples, the unit will enable LibertyStream to secure future offtake agreements with customers and ensure confidence in product quality. The project represents a key step in expanding domestic lithium production and supporting the growing U.S. battery and renewable energy sectors.