Four types of complex Li ores have been investigated across the full processing chain, from sampling and preparation to the production of battery-grade Li2CO3:
• Finalization of large-scale sampling and characterisation of Li-ore samples at five sites in three countries. Zinnwaldite Li-ore (both raw ore and processing waste) from Cínovec and Krásno-Horní Slavkov deposits in Czechia; sedimentary Li-ore (swinefordite) from Valjevo project in Serbia; lepidolite and petalite Li-ores from Spanish sites Villasrubias and Presqueiras, respectively.
• Preliminary beneficiation and concentration tests (classification, magnetic separation, flotation) have been performed, confirming the limitations of conventional mineral processing.
• Sensor-based sorting has been tested as an alternative mineral processing route, with initial trials on zinnwaldite and lepidolite ores.
• Physical separation tests were performed, obtaining the highest Li grade with zinnwaldite using magnetic separation, whereas the rest of the ores were concentrated using froth flotation.
• A wide range of hydrometallurgical leaching routes (including deep eutectic solvents and pyro-hydrometallurgy) using sulphuric, citric, oxalic acids and sodium carbonate have been tested, achieving high lithium and boron recovery.
• The equipment for the flotation and bioleaching pilots has been procured and commissioned. Flotation of swinefordite ore has achieved modest lithium concentration improvements. Bioleaching pilots are fully operational, and lepidolite has been selected as the most suitable ore to be scaled up.
• Tailored inventories designed and circulated to capture environmental (LCA), cost (LCC), and social indicators for Li4Life processes.
