en.Wedoany.com Reported - Metso recently unveiled its improved lithium carbonate production process, a technology that uses a single-pass flow to directly convert spodumene concentrate into battery-grade lithium carbonate, achieving high recovery rates while reducing operational costs and environmental impact. This update further refines Metso's lithium processing solutions portfolio, strengthening the company's position as a technology supplier in the processing of critical minerals for the energy transition.
As transportation electrification, renewable energy grid integration, and battery energy storage systems become more widespread, global demand for lithium resources is expected to continue rising. Metso's new process aims to help meet this growing market demand through efficient and scalable production methods. The route of obtaining lithium carbonate from ore feedstock is gaining more attention, particularly in the production of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries.
Marika Tiihonen, Technology Manager for Lithium at Metso, stated that the company launched this improved process to support customer needs on lithium-related projects. By integrating existing thermal treatment and hydrometallurgical technologies, combined with end-to-end process design capabilities and localized services, the company can deliver high-availability lithium processing plants that achieve efficient, safe, and reliable operations. Tiihonen emphasized that this launch is based on the company's strong hydrometallurgical technology accumulation, consolidating Metso's ability to support customers across the lithium value chain.
Unlike traditional multi-step processes, Metso's lithium carbonate process requires only a single treatment to process spodumene concentrate into battery-grade lithium carbonate, thereby bypassing complex intermediate steps and avoiding the generation of non-target by-products such as sodium sulfate. The reduction in process steps directly lowers capital expenditure, improves operational stability, simplifies plant design, and accelerates project commissioning.
The hydrometallurgical alkaline leaching process adopted by Metso is a simple and safe solution capable of purifying spodumene concentrate into a battery-grade product. Its core technology—sodium pressure leaching—enables selective extraction of lithium while inhibiting the dissolution of soluble impurities. The improved carbonation and decarbonation stages allow for the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate in a single pass, while the mineral residue discharged from the carbonation process is moderately neutralized, making it easier to dispose of or recycle. Furthermore, Metso is developing a circular metallurgy concept aimed at regenerating the chemicals used in the alkaline leaching process.
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