Recovery of lithium from spodumene-bearing pegmatites: A comprehensive review on geological reserves, beneficiation, and extraction

Kundu, Tonmoy; Rath, Swagat S.; Das, Surya Kanta; Parhi, Pankaj Kumar; Angadi, Shivakumar I.

doi:10.1016/j.powtec.2022.118142

Cited by 24 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 76 publications

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“…However, the refractory nature of spodumene requires a high thermal treatment for its conversion to a relatively active mineral (β-spodumene) for Li-extraction. In recent years, several reviews and studies have reported on the lithium exploration from brines and minerals. − For instance, Yelatontsev et al offered a comprehensive discussion on both established and emerging industrial technologies for Li-extraction . Zhang et al conducted an extensive exploration of Li-extraction from Salt Lake brines .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australia’s Spodumene: Advances in Lithium Extraction Technologies, Decarbonization, and Circular Economy

Asif,

Li,

Lim

et al. 2024

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.

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Among all of the lithium-bearing minerals, spodumene possesses the highest theoretical lithium abundance. Since the 1990s, Australia, with the world's largest spodumene (LiAl(SiO 3 ) 2 ) reserves, has been producing lithium as a mineral concentrate rather than a refined product. Nevertheless, the country is now moving forward to fortify its processing facilities, aligning with the vision for greener energy. This review provides a comprehensive outlook on the current status of spodumene reserves and their processing facilities along with potential expansion in the future. Spodumene processing requires several metallurgical processes ranging from salt roasting to acid leaching. However, the conventional industrial practices for Li-extraction from ores result in excessive pressure on resources, energy, and waste management. Considering these factors as an indicator of a circular economy, the process of lithium extraction should be simplified. In such a context, different practices for Li-extraction from spodumene are exemplified by recent technological advancements. Afterward, strategies for decarbonization, waste management, and environmental aspects were provided, with a perspective of circular economy. This review is expected to serve as a reference for research and development for potential industrial applications in ore processing especially for spodumene.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Australia’s Spodumene: Advances in Lithium Extraction Technologies, Decarbonization, and Circular Economy

Asif,

Li,

Lim

et al. 2024

Ind. Eng. Chem. Res.

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“…In terms of deposits, the two primary types are liquid lithium and solid lithium and majorly found in seawater, salt lake brines and geothermal waters and secondary raw materials deposits, such as lithium-ion battery trash and electronics industry waste [4,8]. The main lithium compound mineral reserves can be found in Chile, Russia, China, the Congo, Canada, Afghanistan and Serbia [10,11]. There are over 150 different minerals and clays that contain lithium, which does not naturally occur in a free state [12].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Recent Developments in the Extraction of Lithium from Water Resources

Abdullayev,

Askarova,

Toshkodirova

et al. 2024

ajc

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An increasing number of electric vehicles, hybrids, and synergistic types are adding electronic components, driving up demand for lithium and its derivatives. These chemicals comprise 80% of the worldwide market and come in forms such as carbonate, lithium hydroxide and mineral concentrates. The use of lithium is predicted to surge by 60% in the coming years due to the proliferation of electric vehicles. This demands efficient and rapid deposit detection methods as well as economical and high-resolution exploration equipment. The quantity and geographical distribution of fossil and ore mineral deposits can be easily mapped using hyperspectral photography. Since salt lakes, oceans, and geothermal water hold the majority of the world’s lithium reserves ranging from 70% to 80%, these areas are ideal for the lithium extraction process. In this regard, there is an increase in research targeted at industrial lithium production from water resources. Recycling lithium-ion batteries is an alternative method that can be utilized to increase the production of lithium. Geothermal waters have lower lithium contents than brines and some of the processes are not suitable. Evaporation methods, solvent extraction, membrane technology, nanofiltration and adsorption can all be used to extract lithium from liquid media. Thus, lithium extraction from aqueous solutions was the focus of this review article, which aimed to provide straightforward technical solutions, low costs, decreased environmental impact and excellent selectivity for the lithium industry.

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“…This is achieved through industrial magnets installed on the belts used to transport the minerals. Finally, foam flotation is utilized to separate minerals by using the difference in the surface properties of the minerals to recover the valuable material from the gangue [ 1 , 5 , 9 , 10 ]. This is one of the most common methods of mineral separation currently in use [ 11 , 12 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…These factors include mineral surface chemistry, collector type, pre-treatment techniques, and reagents. In the case of lithium flotation, there is a great similarity in the mineralogical characteristics between the ores that contain lithium, e.g., the isoelectric point (IEP), which are similar values of less than three between lithium minerals and gangue minerals, resulting in similar properties that make selective flotation complex to perform [ 5 , 9 ]. In addition, a low selectivity by the fatty acid collectors has been detected, commonly used in salt as sodium oleate (NaOL), due to poor solubility and sensitivity to changes in pH and concentration [ 11 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Molecular Design and Spodumene Flotation—A Review

Retamal,

Robles,

Quezada

et al. 2024

IJMS

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Spodumene flotation stands as the most commonly used method to concentrate lithium minerals. However, it faces significant challenges related to low collector recoveries and similarity in the surface characteristics of the minerals, which make the effective separation of this valuable mineral difficult. For this reason, numerous researchers have conducted studies to address and confront this problem. In this work, an exhaustive bibliographic search was carried out using keywords and search queries, and the results were structured in three sections according to temporal, methodological, and thematic criteria. The first section covers the period from 1950 to 2004, focusing on experimental tests. The second section covers from 2004 to the present and focuses on flotation tests and measurement analysis. Simultaneously, the third section spans from 2011 to the present and is based on molecular dynamics simulations. Topics covered include spodumene surface properties, the influence of metal ions, pre-treatment techniques, and the use of collectors. Ultimately, molecular dynamics simulations are positioned as a tool that accurately represents experimental phenomena. In this context, specialized software such as Materials Studio or Gromacs prove to be reliable instruments that allow a detailed study of mineral surfaces and other elements to be carried out, which justifies their consideration for future research in this scientific field.

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Recovery of lithium from spodumene-bearing pegmatites: A comprehensive review on geological reserves, beneficiation, and extraction

Cited by 24 publications

References 76 publications

Australia’s Spodumene: Advances in Lithium Extraction Technologies, Decarbonization, and Circular Economy

Australia’s Spodumene: Advances in Lithium Extraction Technologies, Decarbonization, and Circular Economy

Recent Developments in the Extraction of Lithium from Water Resources

Molecular Design and Spodumene Flotation—A Review

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