Feasibility study: lithium production and processing

In these times of climate change, the development of alternative energies is essential. Many countries looking for an alternative to fossil fuels have decided to turn entirely to electric power. This is a major economic challenge for the years to come. The main technical obstacle to achieving this is the production of electric batteries. The cobalt-lithium (Co-Li) battery is the most commonly used. The aim of the assignment was to carry out a feasibility study on a process for producing lithium oxide from raw ore. The detailed process analysis was carried out according to the customer’s recommendations. The latter asked Cayambe to carry out detailed ore treatment processes (flotation, pyrometallurgy and hydrometallurgy) to produce lithium oxides for industrial use, while minimizing environmental impact.

The team included the following expertise:

• Flotation/grinding
• Pyrometallurgy
• Hydrometallurgy

The project was carried out over 4 months by a project manager associated with the Cayambe mining sector manager.