The present disclosure includes systems and methods for extracting a target element, such as lithium, from a brine. For example, some aspects include a method of extracting lithium including mixing a first brine with an extraction agent to form a first solution having a lithium complex, the lithium complex including lithium bound to the extraction agent. The method can further include extracting the lithium from the first solution and recycling the extraction agent to be used in a further extraction process. In some aspects, extracting the lithium from the first solution includes adsorbing, via an adsorbent media, the lithium complex from the first solution, removing the lithium complex from the adsorbent media, and separating the lithium from the extraction agent in the lithium complex.