Oil field waste could fuel a new industry in North Dakota, proponents say

By: Jacob Orledge

Outlets: North Dakota Monitor

Published: February 4, 2026

Words: 898

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 1 day ago

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An unwanted byproduct of North Dakota’s oil field could be the key to unlocking a new industry in the state within the next few years.

An international company is proposing to begin extracting lithium, a key component of batteries produced for smartphones and other technology, from produced water by the end of 2027. It’s one of at least four similar projects in development in the state.

Troy Coons, chair of the Northwest Landowners …

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