Work

Review of technology for lithium production from mineral raw materials

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Rapid global electrification, nuclear power expansion, and nuclear energy in general will undoubtedly increase the demand for lithium. This article provides a detailed analysis of existing technologies for extracting lithium from various natural resources: spodumene, lepidolite, and sea salt, among other minerals. The technologies are summarised by the feedstock processing method. The article evaluates the various methods' economic feasibility, complexity, and technological viability. It also discusses promising methods for extracting lithium from low-grade resources that may transition from off-balance to on-balance categories. This article also presents a “future outlook”, highlighting research gaps, possible technological improvements, and sustainability considerations.

Source: Acta Metallurgica Slovaca

DOI: 10.36547/ams.31.2.2147

Authors: Feruza Berdikulova, Akmaral Serikbayeva, Sholpan Akilbekova, Nazira Seidakhmetova

Institutions: National Center on Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Yessenov University

Language: English

Topic: Extraction and Separation Processes

Subfield: Mechanical Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Affordable and clean energy, Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Responsible consumption and production

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4410750089

FWCI: 0.301

Cites:

Cited by: 1

Related to: 10