DC (Direct Current) is the one directional flow of electric charge. An electrochemical cell is a prime example of DC power. Direct current may flow through a conductor such as a wire, but can also flow through semiconductors, insulators, or even through a vacuum as in electron or ion beams. The electric current flows in a constant direction, distinguishing it from alternating current (AC).

A low-carbon economy (LCE), low-fossil-fuel economy (LFFE), or decarbonised economy is an economy based on low-carbon power sources that therefore has a minimal output of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions into the atmosphere, specifically carbon dioxide. GHG emissions due to human activities are the dominant cause of observed climate change since the mid-20th century. Continued emission of greenhouse gases may cause long-lasting changes around the world, increasing the likelihood of severe, pervasive, and irreversible effects for people and ecosystems. 

Definitive Feasibility Study (DFS) is undertaken to a high degree of accuracy to be used as a basis for raising finance for the construction of a project. The study usually has to be approved by the Board of Directors and is based on indicated and measured mineral resources.

Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology uses physical or chemical selective processes to remove lithium from brines while leaving other components in the brine. This is one of the most environmentally-responsible methods of extracting lithium from solution and avoids the need for evaporation ponds. 

Driling is a cutting process that uses a drill bit to cut a hole of circular cross-section in solid materials. The drill bit is usually a rotary cutting tool, often multi-point. The bit is pressed against the work-piece and rotated at rates from hundreds to thousands of revolutions per minute. This forces the cutting edge against the work-piece, cutting off chips (swarf) from the hole as it is drilled. 

An example of drilling is at Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni salt flat which holds an estimated 17% of lithium globally.  Workers drill though the crust with large rigs and are aiming for the brine underneath swathes of magnesium and potassium in the hope of finding lithium-rich spots. Since the 2000s, most of the world’s lithium has been extracted this way, rather than using mineral ore sources such as spodumene, petalite and lepidolite