North Dakota Looks to Extract Lithium from Oil Field Waste

Proponents say new technology could unlock a new industry in the state.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:15am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

North Dakota is exploring the potential to extract lithium, a critical mineral used in batteries, from the produced water byproduct of oil and gas operations. At least four companies are developing projects to extract lithium from this waste stream, which could establish a new industry in the state within the next few years.

Why it matters

Lithium is considered a critical mineral by the U.S. government, and the country is seeking to increase domestic production to reduce reliance on imports, particularly from China. Extracting lithium from oil field waste could provide a new revenue stream for the state's energy industry and landowners, while also contributing to national security and economic priorities.

The details

Lithium Harvest, a Denmark-based company, is partnering with an unnamed oil company to construct two lithium extraction facilities in western North Dakota. The facilities will process produced water, the salt water that comes to the surface with crude oil, to extract lithium and potentially other critical minerals. The company says its technology allows for the construction of small extraction facilities in under two years, compared to the 7-15 years typically required for hard rock lithium mining projects.

  • Lithium Harvest plans to begin operating its lithium extraction facilities by the end of 2027.
  • The North Dakota Industrial Commission approved a $500,000 grant to Wellspring Hydro, another company working to extract lithium from produced water, in October 2025.

The players

Lithium Harvest

A Denmark-based company with a presence in the United States that is partnering with an unnamed oil company to construct lithium extraction facilities in western North Dakota.

Troy Coons

The chair of the Northwest Landowners Association, who is urging companies to involve affected property owners from the start of these projects.

Paw Juul

The co-founder of Lithium Harvest, who says the company's technology allows for the construction of small extraction facilities in under two years.

Tom Oakland

The energy and economic development manager at the North Dakota Department of Commerce, who says there are at least four lithium extraction projects in the works in the state.

Levi Moxness

A senior geologist for the North Dakota Geological Survey, who says the state's coal seams often contain unusually high concentrations of rare earth elements.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“None of this happens without landowners. We believe landowners deserve a seat at the table.”

— Troy Coons, Chair, Northwest Landowners Association

“It actually makes it possible for both the landowner, but also the producers, to earn money on a waste stream.”

— Paw Juul, Co-founder, Lithium Harvest

“Certainly critical minerals are important to the state of North Dakota and also the country. But if we can do it on a non-invasive area, I guess it would be something I'd be in support of.”

— Larry Novak, Landowner, McKenzie County

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.