Lithium de France secures €40 million funding for pre-industrial phase of geothermal lithium projectWineyards in the Alsace, France (source: flickr/ moedermens, creative commons)Carlo Cariaga 23 Sep 2025Lithium de France has secured a EUR 40 million capital increase, further supporting the pre-industrial phase of its geothermal lithium project in Alsace. The financing comes as the geothermal lithium project of Lithium de France enters the pre-industrial phase, including the start of drilling operations, the direct lithium extraction (DLE) demonstrator, and the detailed preliminary design. The capital increase was subscribed by Arverne and Equinor Ventures, both previous investors in Lithium de France. The demonstrator aims to validate the lithium extraction process from geothermal brines in the Rhine Basin, optimizing yield, selectivity, and environmental impact. We look forward to working with Lithium de France to develop a new supply chain by deploying DLE technology,” added Lisa Rebora, Equinor’s Global Head of Lithium.