Amid the growing global demand for lithium, the U.S. lithium industry has made a significant breakthrough. According to Yahoo Finance, on February 10, 2025, Stardust Power Inc. announced the signing of an exclusive licensing agreement with KMX Technologies, Inc. The agreement grants Stardust Power the exclusive rights to use KMX’s Vacuum Membrane Distillation (VMD) technology for lithium extraction and concentration across the United States, Canada, and select international markets. This technology is expected to optimize lithium extraction and concentration processes, reduce energy consumption, improve supply chain efficiency, and further strengthen the localization of the North American lithium industry.
How Does KMX VMD Technology Optimize Lithium Extraction?
KMX’s VMD technology is a high-efficiency, low-loss lithium concentration solution that significantly enhances the economic feasibility of lithium projects while reducing environmental impact. Its key advantages include:
- Increased Lithium Recovery Rate: Minimizing lithium loss during extraction from brine, maximizing resource utilization.
- Energy and Cost Savings: Compared to traditional methods, VMD technology reduces energy and water consumption.
- Sustainable Water Management: The technology produces high-quality water as a byproduct, reducing dependence on local freshwater resources.
This innovative solution not only improves lithium extraction efficiency but also aligns with global sustainability trends. For lithium mining companies looking to optimize their supply chains and reduce operational costs, this technology presents a key competitive advantage.
Stardust Power’s Sustainability Strategy
Stardust Power is committed to building a resilient North American lithium supply chain and enhancing efficiency through its unique “Hub & Spoke” refinery model. By reducing the volume of brine feedstock, the company can lower logistics costs and process raw materials at its large-scale lithium refinery currently under construction in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Stardust Power Founder and CEO Roshan Pujari stated, “KMX’s VMD technology offers a unique opportunity to reduce both energy consumption and water use across our supply chain, particularly by concentrating lithium feedstocks for efficient logistics. By incorporating this technology, we aim to significantly lower operating costs while strengthening the U.S. critical mineral supply chain and enhancing national security, all while doing so in an environmentally responsible manner.”
Industry Impact of This Partnership
Industry experts believe that the collaboration between Stardust Power and KMX will further advance North American lithium supply chain localization, reduce reliance on foreign supply, and enhance the U.S. competitiveness in electric vehicle batteries, energy storage, and related sectors.
KMX Technologies CEO Zachary Sadow emphasized, “We are excited to partner with Stardust Power, a visionary company dedicated to driving sustainability and innovation within the lithium sector. This agreement represents a shared commitment to improving the efficiency and environmental footprint of the lithium supply chain.”
Future Outlook
As the global demand for battery-grade lithium continues to rise, the partnership between Stardust Power and KMX Technologies not only introduces groundbreaking technology to the North American market but also provides a new solution for sustainable development in the lithium industry. Moving forward, this technology is expected to be implemented in multiple regions, driving the global lithium supply chain toward greater environmental efficiency and sustainability.
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