en.Wedoany.com Reported - Canada's Rain City Resources announced on May 13, 2026, that it has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Fundación Fraunhofer Chile Research, which is part of the globally renowned applied research platform, the Fraunhofer Network.
The agreement aims to strengthen the company's capabilities in technology validation, pilot preparation, metallurgical development, and execution within the Lithium Triangle region of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile. Rain City is advancing a next-generation direct lithium extraction technology designed for extremely low or near-zero water consumption, improved process efficiency, and broader deployment in complex brine environments.
Under the memorandum of understanding, the parties will establish a collaborative framework for technology validation, process optimization, pilot development, renewable energy integration, circular economy solutions, sustainability assessment, and project execution related to advanced lithium extraction and processing. The collaboration aims to support the application of Rain City's direct lithium extraction technology platform across diverse brine chemistries and operating conditions, while strengthening the company's technical, institutional, and commercial relationships in the region.
Rain City CEO Benjamin Hill stated: "Fraunhofer Chile Research brings a globally recognized applied research and engineering platform at a critical stage as the company advances its next-generation direct lithium extraction technology. This alliance enhances our ability to validate performance, advance pilot readiness, and execute with deeper technical capabilities in the Lithium Triangle."
Sebastian Quiñones, Head of Latin America and Board Advisor for Rain City, noted: "This is a strategically important alliance from technical, metallurgical, and commercial perspectives, particularly in a region with significant variations in brine complexity, operating conditions, and regulatory frameworks. It not only supports the advancement of the new direct lithium extraction platform in partnership with Ion Source but also deepens ongoing partnerships, consolidating Rain City's position in Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile."
The company believes this collaboration can make a substantial contribution to more efficient, scalable, and sustainable lithium development in South America, while strengthening the company's engagement with producers, institutions, strategic counterparties, and downstream participants across the battery materials value chain. Both parties commit to advancing binding project agreements and specific cooperation plans within a designated implementation period following signing, including feasibility studies, pilot facility construction, prototype testing, and commercial demonstration projects in the Lithium Triangle, with the establishment of an international joint steering committee to oversee implementation.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
