50 Investible Opportunities for a New Nature Economy Supplementary Appendix 2026

54 Direct lithium extraction (DLE) methods utilize advanced techniques, such as solvent extraction, ion exchange, and membrane filtration, to selectively extract lithium from brine or other sources – Water preservation : DLE technology significantly reduces water usage compared to traditional brine evaporation methods, reducing pressure on scarce freshwater resources – Reduced land impact. DLE typically requires less land than conventional extraction methods such as hard rock mining. Archetype Scalable Nature impact Transformative impact Suitability of financing and de - risking instruments Technological/ process maturity Capital intensity Scalability Bonds Loans Equity Other De - risking Commercial bonds Thematic bonds Sustainability - linked bonds Impact bonds Commercial loans Thematic loans / project finance Sustainability - linked loans Impact loans Commercial equity Private equity Venture capital Impact equity Blended finance Insurance Advanced market commitments Legend: Low High Low suitability High suitability Payments for ecosystem services Land ecosystem Ocean ecosystem Freshwater use Resource use Pollution Co - benefits Climate Social ✓ – Emerging technologies: Some methods (e.g. solvent extraction, ion exchange) still being optimized, with some successful case studies. – Site - specific adaptability: Current efficacy of DLE can vary based on specific brine composition and local geological conditions. – Financing suitability characteristics: Mining companies implementing direct lithium extraction technologies face significant capital requirements for advanced processing facilities and infrastructure upgrades. Commercial loans and project finance are suitable for these firms given their scale and relatively stable revenue streams. Sustainability - linked loans and green bonds align well with environmental targets, including water conservation and reduced ecological footprint.– Revenue potential : Growing demand for lithium, fuelled by electric vehicles and renewable energy storage expansion, positions DLE as a high - value opportunity. Lower operating costs achievable through increased yield, resource use and quicker production times. Negative impact Positive impact Financing target Mining companies Chemicals, Plastics & Pharma Construction Materials Energy Mining Technology Transportation & Logistics Cross - sectoral Automotive Fashion & Textiles Leisure Waste Management Metals & Steel Agri, Food & Forestry Conditions Accepted by local community and meets ecosystem standards Financial impact Revenue increase✓ Opex reduction✓ Capex reduction – Further validation needed Direct lithium extraction (DLE) techniques FINANCING THE NATURE - POSITIVE TRANSITION