One World Lithium Inc. (CSE: OWLI) announced on October 29, 2026, that specialised industrial nanobubble generators from Moleaer Inc. have been successfully delivered to the University of California, Irvine and the University of British Columbia. The deployment advances the company's proprietary Direct Lithium Carbonation Extraction (DLCE) technology from bench-scale lab work toward a mobile, containerised pilot plant. Investors may be watching this milestone as it represents a tangible step in transitioning DLCE research into field-ready lithium carbonate production.

Key Points

  • One World Lithium Inc. (CSE: OWLI) announced successful delivery of Moleaer nanobubble generators to UCI and UBC
  • Equipment deployment supports R&D testing of the company's single-step DLCE lithium extraction technology at both universities
  • Engineering work on the first field-test pilot plant at Moleaer's Los Angeles facilities is scheduled to begin in early 2027
  • Investors may watch for results from the two-phase research programme covering brine extraction and acid-free lithium clay extraction

Nanobubble Equipment Delivery Marks Transition from Lab to Pilot Scale

The announcement states that both UCI and UBC are finalising their research environments to continue testing DLCE, a single-step process designed to produce lithium carbonate directly from natural brines. The deployment builds on bench-scale work that yielded two patent-pending applications in June 2023, according to the release. Moleaer, described as the global leader in nanobubble technology, custom-built the equipment specifically for this initiative and will collaborate directly with OWL and university R&D teams through rigorous laboratory testing and engineering evaluations.

Two-Phase Research Programme Targets Brine and Clay Lithium Sources

A comprehensive statement of work has been finalised outlining key operational phases for both universities. Phase 1 centres on validating and optimising the DLCE process, which uses a carbon dioxide nanobubble extraction method to separate lithium from natural brines, targeting field-ready pilot system development. Research teams will also evaluate co-production of high-value industrial carbonates — sodium, calcium, magnesium, and potassium — which the company states could introduce incremental revenue streams. Phase 2 involves acid-free lithium clay extraction, aiming to produce lithium carbonate without sulfuric acids, soda ash, sorbents, or energy-intensive concentration steps.

DLCE Process Engineered to Reduce Costs and Environmental Footprint

The release states that DLCE does not require pre-concentration, base concentration, or post-concentration stages that are standard in conventional evaporation pond and direct lithium extraction operations. By incorporating CO2 gases directly into the separation chemistry, OWL states the process targets a carbon-negative, emission-free extraction cycle. The company anticipates — pending pilot testing — that this approach substantially reduces environmental impact, lowers capital and operating costs, and may qualify for carbon credit opportunities. Engineering work on the first field-test pilot plant is scheduled to begin at Moleaer's Los Angeles facility in early 2027.