Optimization of an innovative approach involving mechanical activation and acid digestion for the extraction of lithium from lepidolite

• Published in: International journal of minerals, metallurgy and materials Vol. 25; no. 1; pp. 11 - 19
• Main Authors: Vieceli, Nathália, Nogueira, Carlos A., Pereira, Manuel F. C., Durão, Fernando O., Guimarães, Carlos, Margarido, Fernanda
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing University of Science and Technology Beijing 2018; Springer Nature B.V; Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research - IN+, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal%LNEG - Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, I.P., Campus do Lumiar, 1649-038 Lisboa, Portugal%CERENA - Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal
• Subjects: Acid digestion; Acids; Amorphization; Ceramics; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Corrosion and Coatings; Design of experiments; Design parameters; Experimental design; Glass; High temperature; Hypothesis testing; Lithium; Materials Science; Metallic Materials; Metals; Minerals; Natural Materials; Optimization; Particle size; Process parameters; Recovery; Response surface methodology; Surfaces and Interfaces; Temperature; Thin Films; Tribology; Variance analysis; mechanical activation; lithium; acid digestion; lepidolite; extraction; optimization
• ISSN: 1674-4799; 1869-103X
• DOI: 10.1007/s12613-018-1541-7

The recovery of lithium from hard rock minerals has received increased attention given the high demand for this element. Therefore, this study optimized an innovative process, which does not require a high-temperature calcination step, for lithium extraction from lepidolite. Mechanical activation and acid digestion were suggested as crucial process parameters, and experimental design and response-surface methodology were applied to model and optimize the proposed lithium extraction process. The promoting effect of amorphization and the formation of lithium sulfate hydrate on lithium extraction yield were assessed. Several factor combinations led to extraction yields that exceeded 90%, indicating that the proposed process is an effective approach for lithium recovery.