Kazakhstani scientists have developed a technology for processing low-grade lithium ores

Scientists at the National Center on Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials have developed a new technology for processing low-grade lithium-containing aluminosilicate ores.

The development is based on a carbothermic smelting process, which enables comprehensive processing of the raw material and almost complete separation of the lithium and aluminosilicate components of the ore. In addition to lithium concentrate, the technology produces FS45 ferroalloy, which is in demand in the metallurgical industry.

Thanks to specially selected conditions, lithium is concentrated in the slag in a chemically active form, simplifying further processing of the concentrate and the production of lithium salts.

By processing low-lithium ores, we obtain a concentrate with a lithium oxide content of 12-14%. This product more than doubles the lithium oxide content of traditional analogues. "Current technologies at this stage do not allow increasing the lithium oxide concentration above 5-6%," noted project manager and PhD candidate Feruza Berdikulova.

The developers also cite the reduced use of aggressive sulfuric acid solutions, reduced environmental impact, and lower production costs as advantages of the new technology.

According to the scientists, the implementation of the technology will expand the domestic raw material base of critical metals.

Source: sozmedia.kz