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Berkshire Hathaway Energy lithium and john burba
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Certainly! Let’s delve into the fascinating world of lithium and explore the connection between Berkshire Hathaway Energy and Dr. John Burba.

Berkshire Hathaway Energy (BHE):
BHE, a subsidiary of Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway Inc., has made significant strides in the realm of lithium extraction.
They’ve embarked on a venture to extract lithium from their geothermal wells located in the Salton Sea region of California123.
This strategic move positions them as one of the key players in what’s being dubbed California’s Lithium Valley4.
Dr. John Burba:
Dr. Burba, affectionately known as ‘The Godfather of Lithium’, is the brilliant mind behind a groundbreaking lithium extraction technology.
His invention, which was initially used in Argentina back in 1998, has undergone significant enhancements.
The core of this technology lies in an absorbent that selectively captures lithium and chloride ions.
Unlike traditional methods that rely heavily on chemicals for lithium recovery, Dr. Burba’s process achieves high lithium extraction percentages without compromising environmental integrity5.
Notably, the capital costs associated with this technology are lower compared to competing methods.
Environmental Consciousness:
Dr. Burba’s approach is remarkably environmentally friendly.
Most of the water used in the process is reused, and the residual brine is re-injected back into the salars (with government permits).
This ensures that indigenous people’s water supply remains safe, and the land is not harmed during lithium extraction.
The Current Lithium Market:
Currently, there are two primary methods for extracting lithium:
Spodumene Mining: This method involves open-pit mining, heavy chemical use, waste ponds (which can contaminate groundwater), high-temperature roasting, and other environmental challenges.
Salar Brines: These are extracted using solar evaporation, but the resulting lithium solution is impure and requires chemical treatment for purification. The recovery rates are low, leading to high costs and limited production.
Dr. Burba aptly describes the current lithium market as a “mess” due to the various issues associated with these extraction methods5.
In summary, BHE’s collaboration with Dr. John Burba represents a significant leap forward in sustainable and efficient lithium extraction. Their efforts could potentially revolutionize the industry and contribute to a cleaner, greener energy future. 🌱🔋