Kazakh scientists have developed a new solution for processing lithium-containing ores

A group of scientists from the National Center on Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials of the Republic of Kazakhstan has developed an innovative technology for processing low-grade lithium-containing aluminosilicate ores.

The technology is based on carbothermic smelting. It enables comprehensive processing of the ore and virtually complete separation of the target metal - lithium - from the aluminosilicate component. Therefore, in addition to lithium concentrate, the product also produces FS45 ferroalloy. This alloy is in demand in the metallurgical industry.

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.

"As a result of 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. "At this stage, existing technologies are unable to increase the lithium oxide concentration above 5-6%," 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 makes it possible to expand the domestic raw material base of critical metals.

Source: gov.kz/memleket/entities/mps/