Top 10 Lithium Tailings Extraction Plant Suppliers in Canada

Founded in 2010 in Sudbury, Ontario, Northern Lithium Tech has built a reputation for rugged, cold-climate-ready equipment—perfect for Canada's northern mining regions. Their claim to fame? A proprietary lithium tailing ore extraction plant design that combines dry process equipment with advanced sorting technology. Unlike some suppliers that rely solely on wet processes (which can be water-intensive), NLT's dry process uses air classification and electrostatic separation to recover lithium from tailings, making it ideal for areas with limited water access.

One of their most popular systems, the NLT-5000, handles up to 5000 kg per hour and is often paired with their portable briquetting machine for on-site compaction of recovered lithium ore. Miners love it for its low maintenance needs and ability to operate in temperatures as low as -30°C. "We've worked with NLT for five years now," says a mining manager in Manitoba. "Their equipment doesn't just recover lithium—it does it without freezing up in winter, which is a game-changer up here."

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Western Tailing Solutions has made a name for itself with its focus on environmental responsibility. Established in 2015, WTS specializes in wet process equipment that minimizes water usage and reduces waste. Their flagship system, the EcoTails 3000, uses a closed-loop water recycling system, meaning almost 95% of the water used in extraction is reused. This not only cuts costs but also aligns with Canada's strict environmental regulations.

What really sets WTS apart is their integration of air pollution control system equipment into every plant. "We don't just extract lithium—we make sure the process is clean," explains a WTS engineer. "Our air filtration systems capture dust and emissions, so operations stay compliant and communities stay healthy." With capacities ranging from 1000 to 3000 kg/hour, their plants are a favorite among mid-sized mining operations prioritizing sustainability.

Toronto-based CORI has been around since 2005, and they've earned a loyal following by focusing on customization. Unlike suppliers that offer one-size-fits-all solutions, CORI works closely with clients to design lithium tailing ore extraction equipment tailored to specific tailings compositions. "Every mine's tailings are different—some have more clay, others more silica," says CORI's sales director. "We don't just sell equipment; we engineer a process that works for your waste."

Their hydraulic press machines equipment is a standout feature, used to compact tailings before extraction, increasing the efficiency of downstream separation. Many of their plants also include a wet process component for fine-grained tailings, ensuring no lithium goes unclaimed. Recent clients include a major lithium mine in Quebec that saw a 22% increase in lithium recovery after installing CORI's custom system.

Headquartered in Victoria, British Columbia, PLE is all about portability and scalability. Their star product? The PLE-Mobile, a compact lithium tailing ore extraction plant that can be transported via truck and set up in under 48 hours. Designed for small to medium-sized mines or temporary projects, the PLE-Mobile uses a combination of dry process equipment and a miniaturized hydraulic briquetter to recover and compact lithium on-site. "We built it for mines that need flexibility," says PLE's founder. "Why invest in a permanent plant if your tailings site might move in a year?"

Despite its small size, the PLE-Mobile doesn't skimp on capacity, handling 800–1500 kg/hour. It's also surprisingly energy-efficient, running on a combination of diesel and solar power for remote locations. Miners in Northern Ontario have praised its durability, with one operator noting, "We've taken this thing through mud, snow, and gravel roads, and it still runs like a charm."

Alberta Tailing Processing, based in Calgary, has carved a niche by focusing on high-capacity operations. Their ATP-10K plant is a beast, capable of processing up to 10,000 kg of tailings per hour—making it one of the largest systems available in Canada. But size isn't the only selling point: ATP's plants are known for their integration of both dry and wet process equipment, allowing mines to switch between methods based on tailings moisture levels.

"If the tailings are dry, we use air classification; if they're wet, we switch to froth flotation—all with the push of a button," explains an ATP engineer. This flexibility has made ATP a top choice for large-scale mines in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. They also offer comprehensive after-sales support, including on-site training and 24/7 technical assistance, which has earned them a 95% customer retention rate.

OLRS, founded in 2012 in Kingston, Ontario, prides itself on cutting-edge automation. Their lithium tailing ore extraction plants come equipped with AI-powered sensors that monitor tailings composition in real time, adjusting processing parameters automatically to maximize recovery. "Gone are the days of manual adjustments," says OLRS's tech lead. "Our system learns from the tailings and optimizes itself—so you get consistent results, even as the ore quality changes."

Their most advanced model, the OLRS-Smart, includes a dry process separator that uses near-infrared technology to identify lithium-bearing particles, ensuring higher purity in the final product. Clients report recovery rates up to 85%, compared to the industry average of 70–75%. OLRS also offers retrofitting services, helping older mines upgrade their existing equipment with smart technology without replacing entire systems.

Quebec Ore Tech, located in Quebec City, is a relative newcomer (founded in 2018) but has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on low-energy consumption. Their QOT-Eco plant uses a patented low-temperature roasting process to extract lithium from tailings, reducing energy use by up to 30% compared to traditional high-heat methods. "We wanted to address the carbon footprint of lithium extraction," says QOT's CEO. "Our process uses waste heat from the mine's existing operations, turning two problems—waste heat and tailings—into one solution."

QOT's plants are also modular, meaning mines can start small (with a 1000 kg/hour system) and add modules as their needs grow. This scalability has made them popular with startups and junior mining companies. Plus, their systems are designed to work seamlessly with Quebec's hydroelectric power grid, further reducing their environmental impact.

Halifax-based ETI has built its reputation on solving tough tailings problems. Many mines struggle with tailings that are high in clay or other sticky materials, which can clog traditional extraction equipment. ETI's solution? A specialized wet process equipment line that uses high-pressure water jets to break up clay bonds, followed by centrifugal separation to recover lithium. "Clay is the enemy of many extraction systems," says an ETI engineer. "Our equipment doesn't just fight clay—it turns it into a manageable byproduct."

ETI's plants also include advanced water treatment systems, ensuring that all process water is cleaned and reused. This focus on water management has made them a go-to supplier for mines in water-scarce regions of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Their ETI-ClayBuster system, launched in 2021, has already been adopted by three major mines, with clients reporting a 15% increase in lithium recovery from clay-rich tailings.

Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Prairie Lithium Solutions is all about affordability without sacrificing quality. Their entry-level PLS-Start plant is designed for small mines or pilot projects, with a price tag 20–30% lower than comparable systems. But don't let the lower cost fool you: the PLS-Start uses durable components and a simplified dry process equipment setup to keep maintenance costs down, making it perfect for mines on a budget.

"We started PLS because we saw too many small mines priced out of tailings recovery," says PLS's founder. "Our goal is to make lithium extraction accessible to everyone." The PLS-Start handles 500–1000 kg/hour and can be upgraded with additional modules (like a hydraulic press) as the mine grows. Clients in Saskatchewan have praised its user-friendly interface, with one operator noting, "I'm not a tech guy, but I had this thing up and running in a day."

Rounding out our list is Dartmouth, Nova Scotia-based Maritime Ore Recovery, a supplier known for its focus on research and development. MOR has partnered with Dalhousie University to develop next-gen lithium tailing ore extraction equipment, including a prototype that uses nanotechnology to enhance lithium adsorption. While still in testing, this technology could increase recovery rates by up to 35%, according to MOR's R&D team.

In the meantime, their current lineup includes the MOR-Advanced plant, which combines wet and dry processes for maximum efficiency. It also features a built-in air pollution control system to meet Canada's strict emissions standards. "We're not just selling equipment—we're investing in the future of lithium extraction," says MOR's CEO. "Our clients know they're getting cutting-edge technology that will evolve with the industry."