CMI Project 1.1.9 Diversifying lithium supply from brines to hard-rock minerals: mechanochemical extraction of lithium at low temperature (MELLT) from α-Spodumenes

In the United States, brines are the primary source for lithium extraction. However, their long lead times and low lithium extraction yields limit their ability to meet the recent surge in demand. To ensure supply chain sustainability, it is crucial that new hard rock assets, namely spodumenes, are utilized. The major barrier to the implementation of lithium extraction from hard-rock minerals is the significant energy consumption and hazardous waste generation associated with the current industrial methods. To address these challenges, this project will employ mechanochemical reaction that bypasses the most energy demanding step while simultaneously reducing the overall chemical waste.