Kazakhstani scientists have developed a new solution for processing lithium-bearing ores

This technology is based on the carbothermic smelting process.

A group of scientists from the National Center on Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials has developed an innovative technology for processing low-grade lithium-containing aluminosilicate ores, according to the Kapital.kz business information center, citing the press service of the Ministry of Industry and Construction.

The technology is based on the carbothermic smelting process. It enables comprehensive processing of the ore and the almost complete separation of the target metal – lithium – from the aluminosilicate component. Therefore, in addition to lithium concentrate, the product also includes FS45 ferroalloy.

This alloy is in demand in the metallurgical industry, the Ministry of Industry and Construction emphasizes. Thanks to specially selected process conditions, lithium is concentrated in the slag in a chemically active form. This significantly facilitates further processing of the concentrate to produce lithium salts.

"By processing lithium-poor ores, we obtain a concentrate with a lithium oxide content of 12-14%. This product is more than twice as rich in rare metal oxide as its traditional counterpart. Current technologies cannot increase the lithium oxide concentration above 5-6% at this stage," notes project manager and PhD candidate Feruza Berdikulova.

Other advantages include reduced use of aggressive sulfuric acid solutions, reduced environmental impact, and lower production costs.

The developed technology allows for the expansion of the domestic raw material base for critical metals.

Source: kapital.kz