Mechanochemical extraction of lithium at low temperature (MELLT) from domestic α-spodumene

Powder X-ray diffraction pattern of Li2CO3 extracted from α-spodumene with MELLT, demonstrating product purity
Powder X-ray diffraction pattern of Li2CO3 extracted from α-spodumene with MELLT, demonstrating product purity

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

Innovation 
Low-temperature extraction of lithium from domestic hard-rock minerals.

Achievement
Validate and optimize MELLT on laboratory scale, achieving extraction of 94 ± 3% of lithium available in domestic α-spodumene concentrate from the Carolina Tin-Spodumene Belt.

Significance and Impact

  • Eliminated the high-temperature decrepitation step.
  • Li2CO3 or other salts are recovered efficiently by leaching with only water or dilute acids, instead of strong acid or alkali.
  • MELLT thus replaces traditional energy- and waste-intensive methods.

Hub Target Addressed 

  • Recover and convert critical minerals into high-value end products. 
  • Win industry adoption of technology for source-diversification of lithium.