معالجة خام الصودومين للنحاس الصلب — من خام الصودومين إلى النحاس من الدرجة المصنعة للبطاريات

Lithium Hard Rock Processing Overview

Hard rock lithium deposits, primarily spodumene (LiAlSi2O6), are a major source of the world's lithium supply. Processing spodumene ore involves multiple stages — from beneficiation to chemical conversion — to produce battery-grade lithium hydroxide or carbonate. This guide covers the complete processing chain.

Ore Sorting and Pre-Concentration

Before crushing, modern lithium operations use ore sorting technologies to reject waste:

• Sensor-based sorting: XRT, color and laser sorting to remove dilution
• Dense Media Separation (DMS): Heavy liquid separation at 2.7-3.0 SG
• These steps typically reject 30-50% of feed as waste, reducing downstream processing costs

Crushing and Grinding

Spodumene is harder than most lithium-bearing minerals, requiring careful crushing:

• Primary jaw crushing: Reduce ROM ore to -200mm
• Secondary cone crushing: Achieve -30mm product
• Ball mill grinding: Produce -150 micron feed for flotation
• Note: Spodumene crystals are friable — avoid over-grinding

Lithium Processing — From Spodumene Ore to Battery Grade

Spodumene Flotation

Flotation is the primary concentration method for spodumene:

• Desliming: Remove -20 micron slimes before flotation
• Conditioning: Alkaline conditioning with NaOH (pH 10-11)
• Collector: Oleic acid or tall oil fatty acids
• Depressants: Starch or dextrin for gangue depression
• Typical concentrate grade: 5.5-7.0% Li2O

Thermal Treatment (Conversion)

The natural alpha-spodumene must be converted to beta-spodumene by thermal treatment at 1000-1100°C. This conversion is essential because beta-spodumene is more amenable to sulfuric acid digestion.

Hydrometallurgical Processing

Sulfuric Acid Route (Lithium Carbonate):

• Beta-spodumene roasted with concentrated H2SO4 at 250°C
• Water leaching of the calcine
• Impurity removal (Ca, Mg, Fe precipitation)
• Lithium carbonate precipitation with Na2CO3

Lithium Hydroxide Production:

• Li2CO3 causticization with Ca(OH)2
• Crystallization to battery-grade LiOH·H2O
• Preferred for high-nickel battery cathodes

Key Design Considerations

• Spodumene is abrasive — use wear-resistant materials
• Fine grinding creates difficulty in flotation — optimize grind size
• DMS feed preparation must avoid crystal breakage
• Thermal conversion is energy-intensive — optimize fuel efficiency

WSHT offers complete lithium processing solutions from beneficiation testwork to full EPC delivery. Contact our team to discuss your lithium project requirements.