Lithium Process Manager
US Magnesium
Bio:
Mark Reynolds’ career spans over three decades, and includes a wide range of industrialmanufacturing sectors such as mining, paint, fertilizer, rocket fuel and now lithium. Prior to his current role, Mark held key positions at Sherwin-Williams, Compass Minerals, and Northrop Grumman, where he commissioned new plants, led production teams and improved process efficiencies. In 2020, US Magnesium built a lithium carbonate production facility that uses salts, recycled from the magnesium metal process, as its raw material. Mark has been employed by US Magnesium since 2021 and is responsible for providing technical support to the lithium carbonate plant and overseeing solar pond operations. Mark has over 12 years of experience working on Great Salt Lake (GSL) and enjoys serving on the Great Salt Lake Salinity Advisory Committee, interacting with a variety of folks representing the diversity of beneficial uses that the Lake supports. Mark earned his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Brigham Young University.
Title: The Future of Great Salt Lake Mineral Extraction
Abstract: For over 50 years, the mineral extraction industries have partnered with the State ofUtah and other interests on the Lake to responsibly produce products vital to our health, safety and way of life, generating millions of dollars in taxes, fees and royalties and creating generations of jobs for the citizens of Utah. These activities have an impact on the Lake, but that impact is better understood when looked at in context with natural GSL evaporation and the need for annual salt removal to protect salinity levels. Now, in the midst of another Lake level crisis, lithium battery demand has sparked new interest in GSL mineral extraction and new extraction technologies. Over the past three years of lithium production, US Magnesium has gained a unique perspective on the challenges of lithium extraction and the applicability of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies to other minerals in GSL. The mineral extraction industry understands that its destiny is inextricably tied to the health of the Lake. We continue with our commitment to innovation and adaptation to remain viable and a reliable partner on GSL.