The organizing committee of DLE Symposium 2026 has officially announced the opening of registration for the third edition of this international event, recognized as one of Latin America’s leading scientific and technological forums focused on Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE).

Under the theme “Connecting Science, Industry and International Cooperation around Direct Lithium Extraction Technologies,” the symposium will take place on November 5–6, 2026, at the Enrique d’Etigny Auditorium of the Faculty of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, University of Chile, in Santiago.

The event is organized within the framework of the BRIDGE Project, a Chilean-German cooperation initiative that brings together leading institutions in research, innovation and natural resources, including AMTC, CEGA, Sernageomin, UNTEC, the Karlsruhe

 Institute of Technology (KIT), and the German Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources (BGR).

Over the course of two days, researchers, industry professionals, decision-makers and technology developers will discuss the latest advances and challenges related to Direct Lithium Extraction technologies, which are increasingly recognized as one of the most promising approaches for improving lithium recovery efficiency while reducing the environmental impacts associated with conventional production methods.

The program will feature more than 31 scientific and technical presentations, poster sessions, and keynote lectures delivered by internationally renowned experts, including Dr. Victoria Flexer (CONICET and National University of Jujuy, Argentina), Dr. Mario Grageda (University of Antofagasta, Chile), Dr. Humberto Estay (AMTC, University of Chile), and Dr. Fabian Jeschull (Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany).

Six thematic sessions will address key aspects of the lithium value chain, including salar geology, direct lithium extraction processes, advances in DLE projects, brine management and reinjection, recycling and circular economy, as well as lithium refining and battery-grade material production.

In addition to attending the symposium, researchers, professionals and students are invited to submit scientific and technical contributions. Abstract submissions will remain open until July 15, 2026, following the guidelines available on the symposium’s official website.

The event aims to strengthen international cooperation and foster dialogue between science and industry around one of the most strategic resources for the global energy transition. As demand for critical minerals continues to grow in support of electromobility and energy storage technologies, DLE Symposium 2026 is expected to serve as a key platform for discussing the future of sustainable lithium extraction and processing technologies.

Registration will remain open until September 6, 2026, through the official symposium website at simposio.untec.cl.

For more information and registration:
simposio.untec.cl