Albemarle has operated in Magnolia for more than 55 years, producing bromine and bromine derivatives using brine. The Smackover Formation in Arkansas is the only source of commercial bromine in the U.S. and is home to a production site where we extract and refine high-quality bromine for distribution globally. Bromine is separated using chemical processes involving chlorine reactions, steam, heat and distillation. Albemarle has refined a world-leading process that is fast, simple and relatively economical.
Magnolia Operations
Production & Extraction in Magnolia
Bromine Production
Bromine Production
Safety is a Way of Life
Safety is a Way of Life
Magnolia was the first Albemarle site to receive OSHA VPP Star certification, more than 20 years ago. Star is the highest achievement in OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program. It is awarded to companies with exemplary prevention and control of occupational safety and health hazards.
Our safety excellence teams empower employees’ grassroots efforts to drive safety culture. The site employs an emergency response team with 170 members, including those certified as EMTs and first responders, and an on-site fire brigade. This team also serves as the mutual aid team for Columbia County.
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE)
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE)
Albemarle has operated in Magnolia for more than 55 years, manufacturing bromine and bromine derivatives using brine. This same brine also includes lithium.
We are evaluating the lithium compounds found in brine and the direct lithium extraction (DLE) techniques that could be used to extract lithium.
Direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies extract lithium directly from brine using a variety of techniques, bypassing slow evaporation in ponds used in locations such as Albemarle’s Salar de Atacama resource in Chile. Using adsorbents, lithium is absorbed like a sponge, and the lithium-depleted brine is returned to its original formation.
We began piloting DLE in Magnolia in 2024. Through this pilot plant, we are optimizing our technology and perfecting our methods of lithium extraction.