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Author: Admin | 2025-04-28
Australia is home to the majority of the world's open-pit mining operations, though smaller operations also exist in Brazil, Portugal, South Africa, and China. Finland and North America are also expected to open lithium mines in the coming years. Mining Process: Step Description Extraction of Ore Open-pit mining begins with the removal of overburden (the soil and rock covering the lithium-rich ore). Heavy machinery is used to drill, blast, and remove large quantities of rock to access the lithium-containing spodumene ore beneath. Crushing and Milling Once the ore is mined, it is transported to a processing plant where it is crushed into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for the extraction process. This initial crushing helps in the subsequent steps of lithium extraction. Heating and Conversion The crushed ore is then heated to high temperatures in a kiln. This heating process, known as calcination, transforms the lithium-bearing spodumene into a more reactive form called beta-spodumene. Acid Leaching The beta-spodumene is then cooled and finely milled before being treated with sulfuric acid in a process known as acid leaching. The acid reacts with the lithium to form lithium sulfate, which is soluble in water. Separation and Purification The lithium sulfate solution is then subjected to various chemical treatments to remove impurities. This process often involves precipitation, ion exchange, and solvent extraction methods to isolate and purify the lithium. Conversion to Lithium Carbonate or Lithium Hydroxide Finally, the purified lithium sulfate is converted into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, which are the compounds used in battery production. This conversion involves reacting the lithium sulfate with sodium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. "> Step Description Extraction of Ore Open-pit mining begins with the removal of overburden (the soil and rock covering the lithium-rich ore). Heavy machinery is used to drill, blast, and remove large quantities of rock to access the lithium-containing spodumene ore beneath. Crushing and Milling Once the ore is mined, it is transported to a processing plant where it is crushed into smaller pieces to increase the surface area for the extraction process. This initial crushing helps in the subsequent steps of lithium extraction. Heating and Conversion The crushed ore is then heated to high temperatures in a kiln. This heating process, known as calcination, transforms the lithium-bearing spodumene into a more reactive form called beta-spodumene. Acid Leaching The beta-spodumene is then cooled and finely milled before being treated with sulfuric acid in a process known as acid leaching. The acid reacts with the lithium to form lithium sulfate, which is soluble in water. Separation and Purification The lithium sulfate solution is then subjected to various chemical treatments to remove impurities. This process often involves precipitation, ion exchange, and solvent extraction methods to isolate and purify the lithium. Conversion to Lithium Carbonate or Lithium Hydroxide Finally, the purified lithium sulfate is converted into lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide, which are the compounds used in battery production. This conversion involves reacting the lithium sulfate with sodium carbonate or calcium hydroxide. How Do
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