The core of the International Battery Metals technology is a proprietary filter media comprised of tiny hexagonal crystals that hold the lithium-ion molecules while larger ions go right on by.

International Battery Metal’s Modular Direct Lithium Extraction (MDLE) technology is designed to overcome the challenges of traditional lithium extraction, offering a more efficient, environmentally friendly solution. The video highlights the key advantages of IBAT's technology, including its modular design, high lithium filtration rate, fast time to market, and low operating and capital costs. The video also showcases the company's commitment to sustainable lithium extraction, minimizing environmental impact, and maximizing resource conservation.

Pre-Production

Concept & Scripting

International Battery Metals (IBAT) brought us in to develop a comprehensive animation showcasing the operation of their first-of-its-kind modular Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) system. Their objective was to clearly communicate a highly technical process to both technically savvy audiences and potential investors. The animation needed to align with the precision of their patented technology while delivering IBAT’s key value proposition: reduced environmental impact, minimal chemical usage, and lower water consumption.

From the very beginning, IBAT made it clear—scientific accuracy was non-negotiable. Especially when visualizing the core of their process: the interaction between lithium ions and their proprietary absorbent media at the molecular level. To get it right, we worked directly with IBAT’s technical team, digging into their internal documentation and scientific references. This foundational material directly shaped the scripting process.

When scripting, we structured the narrative around the lithium extraction sequence—from brine entering the modular field equipment, to lithium ions being selectively absorbed by the crystals within the vessels, to the final reinjection of spent brine back into the formation. IBAT wanted to emphasize their system’s double-selective size exclusion mechanism. They also required an accurate depiction of ion interactions, with a focus on how lithium and chloride ions are captured, while larger ions—like sodium, calcium, borate, and sulfate—pass through unaffected.

Key discussions with IBAT shaped how viewers would transition from macro to micro scales. We explored techniques such as callout windows, zoom-ins, and cutaways to clearly showcase the modular equipment before diving into molecular structures. Iterative client feedback continuously sharpened the visuals, always pushing for clarity and scientific fidelity.

The final script incorporated IBAT’s feedback on terminology and priorities, ensuring technical accuracy from start to finish. Once approved, we moved into storyboarding and rapid prototyping to lock in pacing, shot sequence, and conceptual storytelling.

Rapid Prototyping

With a locked script in hand, we kicked off the rapid prototyping (RP) phase. The focus here was to establish the overall animation flow and nail down camera movements before diving into high-detail modeling, texturing, and rendering. IBAT was still in the process of compiling and delivering their CAD files, so we got started using basic placeholder geometry to represent critical equipment like vessels and tanks.

In the early RP iterations, we concentrated on blocking out the modular field equipment layout, charting how brine water flows through the system, and experimenting with camera paths that transition seamlessly from macro to micro views. We intentionally skipped complex shaders, lighting setups, and materials at this stage. Instead, we applied simple color-coded shaders to clarify object hierarchy and differentiate between equipment components.

Our first RP included frac tanks, but IBAT later clarified those weren’t part of their current modular field design. At their request, we removed them to keep the visuals accurate and aligned with their latest configuration.

Once IBAT delivered the initial batch of STEP files for their modular equipment, we swapped out the placeholder assets for optimized CAD models. During this RP stage, our primary focus remained on layout accuracy and the overall animation flow. Piping and hose connections weren’t addressed yet—we laid out the individual modules on the pad, positioning them according to IBAT’s reference photos from their active field installation. Detailed connections and pipelines were slated for modeling later, during Full Production.

Throughout RP reviews, we maintained a collaborative dialogue with IBAT to fine-tune camera moves, scene compositions, and the animation’s overall flow. We demonstrated early zoom-in transitions, starting with aerial establishing shots of the equipment and moving into cross-sectional views of the process vessels. IBAT was on board with these transitions but wanted more clarity on how we introduced molecular-scale visuals. We refined these zoom-ins to ensure smooth, intuitive transitions from the macroscopic vessels down to the microscopic absorbent media inside.

Early Visual Styles Explored

Even though we weren’t applying advanced materials or textures yet, we explored early concepts for distinguishing macro and micro visuals. Macro equipment shots were planned as photorealistic, grounded in real-world textures and lighting references. In contrast, the micro scenes were designed with a clean, conceptual look to simplify complex chemistry and make it easier to understand.

We brainstormed visual strategies both internally and in collaboration with IBAT. For molecular structures, we proposed neutral, whitish materials for the platelet layers, paired with bright, distinguishable colors for the different ions. These early look development discussions helped clarify the design objectives for Full Production, though none of these treatments were implemented at this phase.

We deliberately avoided surface details like bump maps or displacement textures during RP. The mission was to lock down scene layouts, timing, and motion paths before investing time in look development.

Prototyping Animation Concepts

During RP, we also prototyped ion behavior and their interactions within the platelet layers. Using IBAT’s technical descriptions and feedback, we created simplified models of their proprietary crystals. One of the major challenges was illustrating the selective size exclusion process. Our RP showcased lithium ions and chloride ions passing between platelet layers and being selectively captured, while larger ions bypassed the system.

We controlled these interactions using Blender’s geometry node system, enabling us to manage hundreds of ions in motion—all behaving according to IBAT’s technical specs. For example, lithium ions were shown being absorbed within the platelet structure, not just sticking to its surface. Chloride ions were depicted stabilizing between the layers, reflecting their negative charge.

As we iterated, we worked through how many platelet layers should be visible at any one time. IBAT was clear: avoid visual clutter that distracts from the main interaction. We suggested ghosting the upper layers or peeling them back to focus attention on the key processes, an approach that IBAT approved and we implemented in the RP.

We also fine-tuned camera angles based on IBAT’s input. Early prototypes featured top-down views of the platelets, which we later adjusted to better showcase lithium and chloride ions interacting with the structure. We thought carefully about illustrating scale and motion without overwhelming the viewer or compromising scientific integrity.

Client Feedback Shaping Direction

Throughout RP development, IBAT provided steady, detailed feedback. They were especially focused on ensuring that the platelets’ spacing, hole arrangement, and ion sizes matched their scientific models. IBAT clarified the holes in the platelets needed to be shown in a strict grid pattern—not random. They also directed us on the relative scales of the ions: lithium ions should be smaller than chloride ions, and other ions like calcium, magnesium, and sulfate had to be depicted as too large to fit between the platelets.

In RP review sessions, IBAT approved our approach to depicting lithium ions being fully absorbed within the platelet layers. They confirmed that our spacing and arrangement were aligned with their technical data. They were also satisfied with our portrayal of the double-selective size exclusion process and gave us the green light to move forward into Full Production with these elements locked in.

By the end of RP, we had nailed the animation flow, validated scientific accuracy, and clarified the narrative structure in collaboration with IBAT. This RP phase laid the foundation for Full Production, where we would shift focus to refining models, developing materials, building complex simulations, and rendering high-quality visuals.

Production (Full Production / FP)

Look Development

Once IBAT approved the rapid prototype, we moved into full production. The first step was optimizing the CAD models provided by IBAT for animation use. The initial STEP files were highly detailed and dense, featuring high-polygon assemblies for each module of the modular DLE system. We carried out extensive polygon reduction and topology cleanup, selectively removing unnecessary geometry while preserving the accuracy of key mechanical and structural components. This was critical to ensure clean imports into Blender and avoid bottlenecks during animation and rendering.

With the models optimized, we entered the texturing and look development phase. IBAT required photorealistic fidelity for all equipment, accurately representing their field-deployed units. Working from field reference photos IBAT provided, we developed high-resolution PBR materials for every asset. Clean, industrial finishes were applied to the vessels and framework, with careful attention to accurate coloration—IBAT’s signature green for structural frames, yellow for safety railings, and silver metallic finishes for vessels and piping were all matched precisely to real-world references. We performed iterative shader adjustments to ensure consistency, constantly comparing our 3D outputs to IBAT’s field imagery.

Lighting setups for the macro shots were designed to complement the clean, industrial environment. We used realistic sky domes and subtle area lights to create soft, directional illumination. Shadows and reflections were calibrated to simulate a realistic outdoor setting, ensuring consistency across all camera angles.

Design & Animation

Following optimization and look development, we began animating the full sequence. At the macro level, the camera moved through a series of establishing shots—starting with an aerial view of IBAT’s modular site and transitioning into close-up details of individual modules. Our layout was directly informed by IBAT’s site reference photos to ensure equipment placement mirrored their operational configuration.

A complex challenge during this phase was modeling pipeline and hose connections between the various modular units. IBAT’s CAD files only included the core processing equipment without any interconnecting infrastructure. We modeled the pipelines and hoses from scratch, referencing field photos to accurately map fluid pathways. Each piece of equipment had multiple inlets and outlets that needed to be correctly linked by a comprehensive pipeline system. We paid particular attention to the scale, diameter, and routing of each line to ensure engineering plausibility while maintaining visual clarity in the animation.

We also implemented projection mapping techniques to create the terrain base. Satellite imagery and aerial site photos were projected onto 3D terrain geometry to build a realistic ground surface for the equipment. This integrated the 3D equipment naturally into the environment without requiring complex landscape modeling.

Once the modular site and pipeline network were complete, we refined the animation paths. Camera work featured slow, deliberate movements emphasizing the scale and modularity of IBAT’s equipment. Transitions moved smoothly from sweeping aerial views to detailed cutaway and cross-sectional shots, illustrating the flow of brine through the system before zooming in to the molecular level.

Style Choices and Reasoning

At the molecular scale, we shifted to a conceptual aesthetic. The clean, minimalistic environment ensured scientific concepts were easy to follow without unnecessary visual clutter. Platelets were represented as stacked layers of hexagonal shapes with precise spacing, aligned with IBAT’s specifications. Each layer was smooth and monochromatic, providing clear contrast to the brightly colored ions.

Ions were represented by color-coded spheres: lithium ions in green, chloride ions in blue, and larger ions in distinct colors for differentiation. At IBAT’s request, each ion was labeled with text (“Li” for lithium, “Cl” for chloride, etc.), removing any ambiguity. These labels were applied as textures directly on the ion geometry in Blender.

The goal was to maintain visual clarity while reinforcing the scientific accuracy of the interactions. We avoided unnecessary geometry or visual noise, keeping the focus on the lithium capture and ion exclusion process.

Technical Details

Blender served as the core production pipeline, with geometry nodes used extensively to control ion simulations. Hundreds of lithium and chloride ions were animated to move between platelet layers, interacting with holes in the crystal structure. Geometry nodes managed collision behaviors, ensuring ions bounced or passed through as appropriate.

Simulations illustrated ion capture: lithium ions moving into the holes within the platelets and remaining there, while chloride ions stabilized between layers. Larger ions bypassed the platelets entirely, underscoring the process’s selectivity.

For macro-scale assets, we developed a consistent PBR texturing pipeline, ensuring shaders worked for both wide establishing shots and tight close-ups. Reflections, roughness, and metalness values were tuned for realism. A unified lighting approach was maintained across macro and micro environments, supporting seamless scale transitions.

Rendering was handled in Blender’s Cycles engine for its photorealistic output and efficient handling of complex shaders and geometry. Render settings were optimized to balance quality with resource demands, particularly for ion simulations involving thousands of active particles.

Unique Animation Techniques

Molecular simulations required custom setups. Geometry nodes enabled procedural animations for ion movement and interaction, allowing real-time simulation adjustments based on IBAT’s feedback.

Layered cutaway views and slow zooms connected macro and micro environments visually. A key technique was the layered ghosting of platelet sheets, helping viewers see inside the structure without losing spatial context. This technique was refined over several iterations based on IBAT’s request for clear lithium-chloride interaction visibility.

Collaboration & Revisions

Throughout FP, we collaborated closely with IBAT. They provided detailed feedback on every iteration of crystal structures and ion behavior animations. Discussions focused on platelet spacing, hole arrangement, and lithium ion movement within the structure.

IBAT confirmed relative sizing between ions and platelets and requested adjustments until representations matched internal data. They approved depicting lithium ions entering holes within the platelets instead of resting on surfaces. This feedback loop continued until all scientific and visual details were validated.

Challenges and Solutions

One of the challenges was connecting all equipment with realistic piping since the CAD files lacked this detail. We modeled and arranged the pipelines from scratch, ensuring plausible paths while maintaining clarity.

On the molecular side, managing simulations of thousands of ions while maintaining individual control was technically demanding. Geometry nodes in Blender provided the flexibility to direct specific movements without performance loss.

Maintaining seamless visual continuity during transitions between macro and micro scales was another challenge. We overcame this through careful camera path design and lighting setups, ensuring smooth, natural transitions.

Post-Production & Delivery

Final Compositing & Color Grading

After completing full 3D production and rendering in Blender Cycles, we moved into post-production. Compositing was handled in After Effects, where we layered render passes (diffuse, reflection, ambient occlusion) to fine-tune visuals.

For macro equipment shots, subtle color grading enhanced outdoor lighting realism. Gradients and vignetting guided viewer focus. We added gentle film grain, lens distortion, and slight chromatic aberration to emulate real-world camera imperfections.

Molecular scenes featured heavier lens effects to convey microscopic scale—stronger chromatic aberration, lens blurs, and bloom effects enhanced depth and immersion. Floating particulate matter reinforced the microscopic setting. Volumetric glows were added to platelet layers, particularly where lithium ions were absorbed.

VFX Enhancements

We enhanced molecular scenes with subtle VFX to convey chemical complexity. Depth of field aggressively directed attention to ion interactions, with peripheral blur simulating microscope optics. Chromatic aberration was more pronounced at frame edges to reinforce the micro perspective. Fine particles drifting through the scene suggested a dynamic solution environment.

Lens flares and optical distortions were applied sparingly in macro scenes to enhance scale without overwhelming clarity. All effects were carefully controlled to maintain IBAT’s scientific accuracy.

Infographics, UI Overlays, Data Visualization

Simple data overlays reinforced IBAT’s messaging. One scene featured a vessel cross-section with overlaid text highlighting lithium chloride-rich water and spent brine. A comparative bar graph illustrated elemental composition differences before and after lithium extraction, emphasizing lithium removal while other elements remained consistent.

Text callouts clarified ion types, molecular interactions, and equipment processes. Overlays were designed to align with IBAT’s brand guidelines, ensuring consistency in typography and color.

Delivery

Final delivery included the  animation, platform-optimized clips, and a package of still renders. We also provided subtitle versions for accessibility and captioned versions for trade shows. Deliverables were optimized for IBAT’s digital platforms, presentations, and investor materials.

Transcript:
Inside our first-of-its-kind modular DLE system lies the key to our clean lithium extraction process. 

As brinewater passes through our proprietary absorbent media the lithium inside encounters another IBAT innovation: tiny hexagonal crystals made up of platelets. Each platelet is embedded with filter holes to attract and hold the lithium as the brine water passes through it, a process that takes mere milliseconds. 

Its double selective size exclusion favoring only the lithium and chloride ions which are small enough to be caught in the holes. Borate, sulfate, and other larger ions go right by. The negatively charged Chloride ions hold near the positive charge between the platelets.

Once the crystals are fully saturated, clean strip water is sent into the vessel, pushing out the salts and other elements and pulling the lithium back out of the crystals.

The spent brine is pushed out, and the lithium Chloride-rich water is sent to the Product tank for further concentration. Spent brine is sent out at the same volume and makeup as it had at the start, minus the lithium. 

International Battery Metals is THE modular direct lithium extraction process that uses minimal outside water and minimal chemicals, reducing the environmental impact, operating costs, and capital expenses.