IBAT Technology is Reshaping the Future of Lithium Extraction

Dr. John Burba is a physical chemist and a world-renowned pioneer in lithium and other mineral extraction technologies. His more than 40-year career features a number of lithium brine projects in North and South America, notably with Dow Chemical Co., FMC Corp., and Chemtura Corp. Most recently, Dr. Burba served as CEO of Simbol materials, a company focused on the recovery of lithium from geothermal brines in Southern California. Under his leadership, Simbol successfully developed a proprietary process capable of producing low-cost, high-purity lithium products from brines that were previously believed to be too high in contaminants to be economically processed. Dr. Burba also recently served as CTO and Executive VP of Molycorp Inc., where he was instrumental in identifying and developing numerous rare earths technologies as part for the Project Phoenix re-development of the Mountain Pass facilities. Dr. Burba received a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and completed doctoral studies in Physical Chemistry at Baylor University. He now serves as the founder and CEO of International Battery Metals.

Joseph Mills is a seasoned senior executive with extensive executive, operational and governance experience in the oil and gas sector. He has held Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer and Audit Committee Chair roles at various public and private companies, which included Eagle Rock Energy (NASDAQ), Roan Resources (NYSE), Montierra Minerals (private), and Samson Resources (private). Most recently, Mills served as the interim president and CEO of Talos Energy (NYSE) which develops offshore oil and gas resources and is one of the largest operators in the Gulf of America. Mills currently sits on the Board of Directors for Samson Resources, Liberty Resources and Caliber Midstream Company. He received an MBA (Finance) from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Austin.

John Souther has been with Carrier Corporation since 2019 and currently serves as Chief Information Officer (CIO) for HVAC Americas and CHVAC EMEA. With nearly two decades of experience driving digital transformation and operational excellence across diverse industries — including industrials, retail, technology, and consumer packaged goods (CPG) — Souther has been instrumental in shaping Carrier’s digital landscape and enhancing its competitive edge. In his current role as CIO, Souther oversees the digital strategy for a $10B+ business, spearheading major technology initiatives such as ERP transformations and the expansion of IoT and connected solutions. His proven track record of leading cross-functional teams, making data-driven decisions, and delivering measurable business results has solidified his reputation as a strategic executive in the digital transformation space. Souther holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Government from Harvard College.

Keith Solar is a founding partner at Parks & Solar, LLP and has significant experience representing public and private clients regarding water rights and water-related issues, with particular emphasis in desalination and potable reuse. Solar currently represents IDE Americas, Inc. and served as special counsel to the City of Carlsbad from 2002 to 2024. In that role he assisted the City and the Carlsbad Municipal Water District in negotiating land use and water purchase agreements, respectively, for the Claude “Bud” Lewis Carlsbad Seawater Desalination Plant. He has authored several published commentaries on water issues and is a lecturer at local and international water conferences and CLE programs. In 2017-2024, Solar was named a “Super Lawyer” by Corporate INTL Magazine and was named “Water Law – Attorney of the Year in California” in 2014 and 2015. He earned his J.D., with highest distinction, from McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, and his A.B. in Journalism, with great distinction, from Indiana University. He is admitted to practice law in California, Texas and Tennessee.