YPF's Y-TEC and XtraLit Join Forces to Pioneer Sustainable Direct Lithium Extraction in Argentina
Collaboration Agreement Signed to Develop Joint Projects, Combining YPF's Energy Leadership in Argentina with Israel's XtraLit Cutting-Edge Direct Lithium Extraction Technology
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina and REHOVOT, Israel, May 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- YPF Tecnología S.A. (Y-TEC), a subsidiary of YPF, Argentina's leading energy company, and XtraLit, an innovative Israeli company specializing in Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), are excited to announce the signature of a cooperation agreement. This partnership aims to revolutionize lithium extraction through the potential joint development of DLE projects in Argentina, leveraging sustainable, efficient technologies tailored to the country's brine resources to strengthen its position in the global new energies market.
With lithium demand surging for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy storage, this collaboration merges Y-TEC's expertise in new energy technologies with XtraLit's global leading eco-friendly ion-exchange DLE technology to unlock and develop new commercial opportunities. The partnership will also allow to explore optimization of XtraLit's resin to be applied for Argentina's salt flat brines, paving the way for scalable, economically efficient and environmentally responsible lithium projects.
"I first met XtraLit during my trip to Israel in early 2025 and was deeply impressed by Israel's innovation ecosystem at large and XtraLit's world-class technical capabilities in particular," said Horacio Marin, Chairman and CEO of YPF. "We thank the Argentine Embassy in Israel for their support in scouting for us such a transformative technology partner."
"This agreement is a milestone for Argentina's lithium industry," said Eduardo Vallejo, General Manager of Y-TEC. "Partnering with XtraLit enables us to advance sustainable technologies that align with new global standards and enhance Argentina's role in the lithium segment in partnership with an experienced team that developed a cutting-edge solution for the industry that is able to extend the applicability of DLE technology to lower lithium concentrations that are currently exploited while also addressing public concern of excessive consumption of water typical for other methods of extractions."
"We are thrilled to collaborate with Y-TEC and YPF to bring our DLE solutions to Argentina, in addition to the projects we are already developing in the Middle East and North America," said Prof. Simon Litsyn, CEO of XtraLit. "This partnership reflects our shared commitment to sustainable innovation to unlock new lithium sources in Argentina that weren't addressed until now due to the lack of relevant technology."
"This partnership with Y-TEC is a leap forward for XtraLit in scaling our technology in Argentina," said Gerardo Tyszberowicz, Director of XtraLit in Latin America. "YPF's leadership and local presence will accelerate the growth of our DLE technology, ensuring impactful deployment in the region."
"Facilitating Argentine companies' access to Israel's innovation ecosystem is one of the strategic priorities for our Embassy," said Axel Wahnish, Argentine Ambassador to Israel. "The synergy of Israel's technological prowess and Argentina's potential in mining, energy, and agriculture presents a historic opportunity for cooperation. We warmly welcome this partnership."
The initiative is poised to attract investment and align with global sustainability standards, enhancing Argentine lithium's market appeal.
About Y-TEC
YPF Tecnología S.A. (Y-TEC), a subsidiary of YPF (Argentina's leading energy company) in partnership with the CONICET, drives innovation for the energy sector. Based in Berisso, Buenos Aires, it operates the largest applied research center in Argentina, with 47 laboratories, 12 pilot plants and equipment & machinery that is unique in Latin America. Y-TEC develops innovative technologies for oil and gas exploration, production, and refining, as well as renewable energy segments including lithium, batteries, and sustainable solutions, bridging scientific research and industrial needs.
About XtraLit
Founded in 2021 and based in Rehovot Science Park, Israel, XtraLit introduced a groundbreaking technology for the efficient extraction of lithium from brine resources. This technology is pivotal in processing brines with both high and low lithium concentrations, making it a game-changer in the mining industry. The company has already acquired broad expertise in extracting lithium in projects in the Middle East and in North America. With the increasing demand for lithium, essential for battery production and the renewable energy sector, XtraLit's solution offers a sustainable and economically feasible approach to tapping into new lithium sources as its innovation has significantly better performance with higher capacity and better selectivity than competing alternatives.
For more information, visit https://xtralit.com
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2679329/XtraLit.jpg
SOURCE XtraLit
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