Salinity Solutions, a British water treatment technology company, secured a $1.27 million investment from SQM Lithium Ventures, the venture capital arm of SQM, a major lithium producer. This funding will fuel Salinity Solutions' growth and development.
In exchange for the investment, SQM Lithium Ventures will hold a minority stake in Salinity Solutions with the option to acquire additional ownership in the future. This investment adds Salinity Solutions to SQM Lithium Ventures' portfolio, joining established companies like Altilium Clean Technology and Electric Era.
Salinity Solutions is known for its pioneering "batch reverse osmosis" water treatment system. This commercially available technology is the world's first of its kind and boasts significant environmental benefits. Compared to traditional systems, it uses less energy, purifies more wastewater, produces less waste, and is more compact and portable. Salinity Solutions has secured its first patent approval in the EU, China, and the US, with four additional patents pending.
Since its 2021 launch, Salinity Solutions has conducted successful trials in various sectors, including lithium mining, industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, and food production. The company has built a strong sales pipeline across diverse markets and regions.
"This investment will accelerate Salinity's growth and achieve our 2024 goals," said Richard Bruges, CEO of Salinity Solutions. "SQM's focus on lithium and water, along with their global reach, perfectly complements our ambitious plans." The investment aligns with SQM's commitment to sustainability, which includes reducing groundwater use, decreasing brine extraction, and achieving carbon neutrality in lithium production by 2030. As part of the collaboration, Salinity Solutions will conduct a pilot project in Chile's Salar de Atacama.
"We invest in Salinity Solutions because their technology has the potential to scale and make a positive impact across industries," commented Angeles Romo, Director of SQM Lithium Ventures. "This marks our first investment in water, a core focus area alongside lithium and electric mobility. We actively seek to support cleantech star
