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Ames Laboratory scientists have developed a method of extracting lithium from hard-rock minerals without the need for high temperature roasting and with reduced or eliminated harsh chemical requirements.

 

Lithium-bearing hard-rock minerals, such as α-spodumene, are reactively ball milled to convert the lithium content into a form that is readily dissolved in water or weak acid. The milled ore can then have the lithium easily extracted with the use of hot water or dilute hydrochloric acid. 

This technology eliminates the need for high temperature roasting of α-spodumene ore, commonly used to convert it to a form more readily available for chemical extraction, allowing it have drastically lower energy requirements. The ability to extract the lithium with only water or with dilute acids further reduces the need for harsh chemicals seen in traditional lithium extraction from hard-rock sources.

This technology is related to ISURF 5819: A method of acid- and water-free direct lithium extraction from α-spodumene and other Li-rich hard rock minerals

• Eliminates high temperature roasting of α-spodumene

• Reduced or eliminated need for harsh chemicals

Lithium extraction from hard-rock minerals

Del Rose et al., "Mechanochemical Extraction of Lithium from α-Spodumene at Low Temperatures"

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