ABSTRACT

The sulfuric acid process is the dominant technology for lithium extraction from spodumene. However, this process generates huge quantities of waste residue and needs high-temperature pretreatment. The process can be optimized if other high-value elements are found in spodumene deposits, residual lithium can be recycled during mining and processing, and energy savings can be achieved. This paper evaluates the sulfuric acid process for lithium extraction from spodumene from an operational, economic, and environmental perspective. The integration of evaporators and crystallizers during lithium extraction and processing is also reviewed. Finally, further research opportunities for making the process more cost-effective are identified.

摘要

硫酸法是锂辉石提锂的主导技术。但该工艺产生大量废渣，需要高温预处理。如果在锂辉石矿床中发现其他高价值元素，则可以优化该工艺，在采矿和加工过程中可以回收剩余锂，从而实现节能。本文从操作、经济和环境的角度评估了从锂辉石中提取锂的硫酸工艺。还回顾了锂提取和加工过程中蒸发器和结晶器的集成。最后，确定了使该过程更具成本效益的进一步研究机会。