Lithium extraction from minerals: techno-economic analysis (TEA)

CMI Highlight: Lithium extraction from minerals: techno-economic analysis (TEA)

CMI researchers at Ames National Laboratory conducted the research for this highlight

Innovation 
VITELiS (Vacuum-Induced Thermal Extraction of Lithium from α-Spodumene) aims to unlock >95% of lithium available in domestic hard-rock ore, diversifying the lithium supply.

Achievement
Completed a comparative TEA benchmarking VITELiS vs. SAR for a 171,000 mt/yr feed. VITELiS cuts total annual cost from $743M to $643M (~13%) with lowering processing costs by ~25%.

Significance and Impact
VITELiS improves domestic hard‑rock lithium economics by eliminating  1,100 °C decrepitation step for α‑to‑β conversion, cutting material and energy use, simplifying the flowsheet, and removing water and gas utilities.

Hub Target Addressed 
Recovery or purification to expand U.S. lithium production; selective extraction and separations; minimizing hazardous chemical use and waste.
 

Cost breakdown comparison showing Vacuum-Induced Thermal Extraction of Lithium from α-Spodumene (VITELiS) reduces non-feedstock processing costs relative to conventional Sulfuric Acid Roasting (SAR).
Cost breakdown comparison showing Vacuum-Induced Thermal Extraction of Lithium from α-Spodumene (VITELiS) reduces non-feedstock processing costs relative to conventional Sulfuric Acid Roasting (SAR).