Former Nutrien senior executive Raef Sully has joined lithium extraction technology company Lilac Solutions as its chief operating officer.
Sully spent 10 years at Nutrien, including as CEO of the company’s US$10 billion nitrogen and phosphate unit. Lilac said he added extensive experience in driving large-scale capital projects and managing multinational workforces.
“Lithium sits at the intersection of mining and chemicals, and the pace of growth in this industry requires tight integration between project execution and operations,” said Lilac CEO Dave Snydacker.
“Raef’s leadership will help us ensure continued excellence in developing our global portfolio of projects into commercial production.”
Lilac says its ion-exchange technology yields higher lithium recoveries on faster timelines and with minimal land and water impacts compared with conventional lithium brine processing.
The company completed a US$150 million Series B financing round late in 2021. The round was backed by Lowercarbon Capital and funds and accounts advised by T Rowe Price Associates. Also on board were SK Materials, Sumitomo Corporation business Presidio Ventures, Mercuria Energy Trading, BMW i Ventures, Breakthrough Energy Ventures and The Engine.
