BISMARCK, N.D. (KUMV) - The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved more grant funding towards a project aimed at turning produced water in the Bakken into lithium.

In June, officials with Wellspring Hydro conducted field tests, showing they had a 96% lithium extraction rate with their technology.

The Industrial Commission approved $500,000 through the renewable energy program to continue its progress to commercialization.

“These projects can help produce lithium in a more environmentally sound way than strip mining,” said Jordan Kannianen, deputy executive director of the commission.

To date, Wellspring Hydro has received more than $10 million in state grants.

Documents provided by the company reveal they hope to have a commercial unit operating early next year.

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