IRN AP23485523 “Development of a Technology for Producing Spodumene Concentrate and Lithium Carbonate from Pegmatite Lithium Ore Deposits” Project Leader: Candidate of Technical Sciences, F.A. Berdikulova
Results for 2025:
Optimization of Spodumene Concentrate Mechanochemical Activation
Li₂O content – 7.1%, particle size 1000/+500 µm. Optimal conditions: Grinding time: 90–120 minutes, Rotation speed: 400–450 rpm, Ball-to-concentrate ratio: 10–5:1, Grinding media: steel Activation efficiency was evaluated by the degree of lithium transition into solution after thermal activation and subsequent sulfatization. Without preliminary mechanochemical activation, thermal activation at 1100 ℃ for 240 minutes achieved 92–95% lithium extraction. With preliminary mechanochemical activation under optimal conditions, lithium extraction reached 96.8%. The α→β phase transition was carried out at 900 ℃ for 60–90 minutes, reducing sulfuric acid consumption by up to 50%.
Development of Thermal Treatment of α-Spodumene Using Microwave Treatment with NaOH
The method ensures rapid and complete decomposition of α-spodumene, forming highly soluble lithium phases. Lithium extraction reaches ≈93% in 0.5 hours (compared to 6 hours in a muffle furnace). The method reduces process duration and energy consumption while maintaining a high degree of phase transformation. X-ray phase analysis showed disappearance of α-spodumene peaks and formation of water-soluble lithium, sodium, and aluminum silicates.
Proposed Reaction Equation:
3LiAl(SiO3)2+14NaOH(s)→Li3NaSiO4+5Na2SiO3+3NaAlO2+H2O • Soluble phases: Li₃NaSiO₄, Na₂SiO₃ — enable lithium to transition into solution during subsequent leaching. • By-products: stable sodium and aluminum silicates.
Intellectual Property
Patent application submitted in Kazakhstan, reg. No. 2025/0751.1 «Method for Processing Low-Lithium Ores» Priority date: 13.08.2025
