Lithium de France

Positioned at the forefront of France's energy transition, Lithium de France operates with a dual-revenue business model centered on geothermal resources. Established in 2020 by Arverne Group, the company focuses on extracting heat from geothermal brines located deep in the subsoil of the Alsace region. This captured heat is supplied directly to a diverse client base that includes industrial companies, agricultural operations, and municipalities for district heating networks.

The second pillar of its business involves the extraction of lithium from the same geothermal waters. The company utilizes a Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) process, which is designed to have a lower environmental footprint compared to traditional mining, with minimal carbon emissions and low water consumption. This strategic approach provides a local, low-carbon source of a critical material for the electric vehicle (EV) battery industry, directly supporting Europe's goals for energy sovereignty and the decarbonization of its automotive sector. The company's operations are managed from its headquarters in Bischwiller, Northern Alsace, a region with a long history of subsurface resource exploitation. Leadership includes President Pierre Brossollet, who is also the founder of the parent company Arverne Group, and CEO Guillaume Borrel.

Lithium de France has secured significant capital to advance its projects, including an €8 million Series A round in 2021 and a €44 million Series B round in March 2023. This funding, totaling €52 million, supports exploration, drilling, and the development of its extraction facilities. Key investors include its majority shareholder Arverne Group, Equinor Ventures, and Norsk Hydro. The company holds several exclusive exploration licenses in Northern Alsace, covering over 300 km², and has established partnerships with entities like the French Geological and Mining Research Bureau (BRGM) and Tenaris to enhance its technical capabilities and supply chain. Initial exploratory operations began in late 2022, with the first wells expected to be drilled starting in 2023 and the first plant operational as early as 2025.

Keywords: geothermal energy, lithium extraction, direct lithium extraction, cleantech, decarbonization, battery materials, renewable heat, energy sovereignty, Alsace mining, Arverne Group