How is lithium carbonate produced?

The lithium concentrate is further processed to produce lithium carbonate for use in batteries. Spodumene is used as raw material to produce lithium carbonate. Currently, the relatively mature process in the industry is the sulfuric acid production process.

1The spodumene concentrate obtained from mineral processing is first processed in a rotary kiln at 1050-1100°C.

2 After cooling, mix it with sufficient sulfuric acid (93% to 98%) and send it to the 250℃ acidification rotary kiln for sulfuric acid roasting.

3. After cooling, immerse it in water and add limestone (PH=5) to obtain a crude liquid containing about 10% lithium.

4. Use lime to adjust the pH to 11, and add sodium carbonate to remove impurities such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum.

5. Evaporate the clear solution to a purified solution containing about 12-20% lithium sulfate, and add sodium carbonate to precipitate.

6. After centrifugal dehydration, the filter residue is dried at 350°C to obtain lithium carbonate product.

After these steps, the lithium processing plant completes the production process from spodumene to lithium carbonate. The recovery rate is about 90%.

In short, lithium is the "new gold of the 21st century." To rationally develop lithium ore resources, it is particularly important to choose the appropriate spodumene beneficiation process. Through deep processing of spodumene, the value of lithium concentrate and lithium carbonate can be fully utilized. The lithium battery industry will usher in a new round of development opportunities