Lithium is the backbone of the modern energy revolution, powering everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to grid-scale energy storage solutions. However, before lithium can be used in batteries, it must go through a complex refining process to reach the necessary level of purity. At EnergyX, we are pioneering advancements in lithium refining to create a more sustainable and efficient supply chain for the future.
The Lithium Refining Process
Lithium is primarily extracted from two sources: hard rock spodumene ore and brine deposits. While mining and extraction are crucial steps, refining transforms raw lithium into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate, both of which are essential for lithium-ion battery production.
Here’s an overview of how lithium refining works:
- Pre-Treatment & Conversion
- For spodumene: The raw ore is crushed and separated both mechanically and via flotation. The concentrate then undergoes energy- and chemically intensive hot acid-roasting at high temperatures to convert spodumene into a more reactive form, making lithium extraction more efficient.
- For brines: The extracted lithium-rich solution undergoes evaporation to increase lithium concentration.
- Purification & Separation
- Impurities like magnesium, calcium, and sodium are removed using advanced filtration and chemical treatments. At EnergyX, we leverage Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which significantly increases lithium recovery rates while reducing environmental impact compared to traditional evaporation ponds.
- Crystallization & Final Processing
- Lithium is crystallized into battery-grade lithium hydroxide or lithium carbonate. The final product undergoes stringent quality control measures before being supplied to battery manufacturers.
Why EnergyX is Leading the Charge in Lithium Refining
Traditional lithium refining methods are slow, inefficient, and environmentally taxing. EnergyX is tackling these challenges head-on with our cutting-edge LiTAS™ (Lithium-ion Transport and Separation) technology. By integrating nanotechnology and membrane-based separation processes, we can extract lithium with higher purity, lower cost, and minimal environmental footprint.
- Sustainability: Unlike evaporation ponds that consume vast amounts of water and take years to produce lithium, our DLE technology works in days and recycles over 90% of the water used in extraction.
- Efficiency: Our proprietary methods increase lithium yield, ensuring more lithium is recovered from each extraction cycle.
- Scalability: EnergyX’s refining technology is designed to be deployed across multiple lithium-rich regions, helping to decentralize lithium supply chains and reduce dependence on limited refining hubs.
The Future of Lithium Refining
As demand for lithium continues to soar, refining innovations will be key to securing a reliable and sustainable lithium supply. With EnergyX at the forefront of this transformation, we are reshaping how lithium is refined—creating a cleaner, more efficient industry.
For a visual overview of the lithium production process, check out this video from our Founder & CEO, Teague Egan: https://youtu.be/Wkd05a9Iv0o?si=DVc_xNZVU2XD-aHK