The advancement of next-generation solid-state batteries hinges on access to lithium metal - a material that is costly and constrained by limited global supply. Current industrial lithium metal production via antiquated molten salt electrolysis, a process largely unchanged since its introduction in 1923, is energy-intensive, expensive, and can be environmentally damaging. With its abundant lithium resources, australia is well-placed to lead the development of a cleaner, more efficient production method that meets high environmental, social and governance (ESG) expectations and supports global supply chain diversification. at CSIRO, we are developing a novel approach to lithium metal production through our patented LithSonic™ process, which utilises carbothermic reduction - a high-temperature reaction between lithium compounds and carbon at temperatures exceeding 1500C - to produce lithium metal directly. The produced lithium metal vapour and CO gas are then rapidly quenched using a supersonic nozzle, a rocket-engine-inspired technology, cooling the gas mixture at over a million degrees per second and 'freezing' lithium metal in a non-equilibrium state to minimise the occurrence of reversion reaction commonly observed otherwise. Crucially, the high-temperature reduction step not only drives the core reaction but also determines the flow dynamics and conditions essential for nozzle design. This study focuses on establishing a fundamental understanding of the carbothermal reduction kinetics and reaction dynamics under varying experimental conditions, such as temperature profile, sample and gas conditions. Small- scale experiments coupled with thermodynamic modelling provide valuable insights into the melt and gaseous chemistry and behaviour - key to scaling and optimising the process. The latest findings and technological development progress will be presented, illustrating a significant step towards a more sustainable, scalable, and economically viable pathway for lithium metal production with improved ESG outcomes in response to global demand. Establishing this technology could support the creation of a downstream lithium processing industry in australia and strengthen the resilience of global supply chains.