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Lithium
Collaboration overview
In the area where Imperial discovered oil 76 years ago, we are excited to announce a collaboration with E3 Lithium that will explore the redevelopment of the Leduc oil field into a potential leading source of lithium for Canada’s growing minerals industry.
This pilot project will support E3 Lithium’s Clearwater project, which will draw lithium from under the Leduc oil field – Imperial’s 1947 discovery that first launched major oil and gas development in Western Canada.
E3 announced that commissioning of the field pilot plant was completed, and that operations had begun, on August 29, 2023.
Unlocking this valuable resource by leveraging game-changing lithium recovery technology, demonstrates how we continue to lean in on innovation to support Canada’s energy transition.
Historic perspective
Turner Valley
In the 1920’s, Imperial turned to the Prairies in search of oil. In 1921, it acquired the Dingman company in Turner Valley and reorganized it as the Royalite Oil Company Limited.

Bleak Prairie outlook
So bleak was the situation that the company was even considering making gasoline from natural gas to supply the Prairie demand.
February 13, 1947
On the afternoon of February 13 1947, several hundred spectators gathered, chilled to the bone by the crisp winter cold. Every eye was glued to the towering derrick.

The turning point
Seldom in history can the turning point in the fortunes of an industry be pinpointed so accurately as in the case of Imperial’s 1947 Leduc discovery.

Process overview
Lithium rich brine
• Production of brine from the Leduc Reservoir
• Lithium concentration 75 mg/L
• Closed loop system: 100% re-injection of brine
• Lithium concentration 75 mg/L
• Closed loop system: 100% re-injection of brine
Brine production
• Production of brine from the Leduc Reservoir
• Lithium concentration 75 mg/L
• Closed loop system: 100% re-injection of brine
• Lithium concentration 75 mg/L
• Closed loop system: 100% re-injection of brine
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology
• Pre-treatment of brine before entering the DLE plant
• DLE technology generates a high purity lithium concentrate solution
• DLE technology generates a high purity lithium concentrate solution
Re-injection
Concentrated Li
LiOH refinement
Refinement of the lithium concentrate into battery quality lithium hydroxide for direct sales to battery manufacturers