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Lithium Extraction from Spodumene Ore

Lithium is a key component in batteries due it its high electrochemical potential, its lightweight form, and its ability to create a rechargeable battery.  Lithium is found in the earth’s crust in Spodumene, a mineral typically found in pegmatite ore deposits. 
 
To extract the lithium, Spodumene ore is crushed and ground into smaller particles before roasting at 1100°C - 1300°C in a rotary furnace.  This critical step converts the alpha form of spodumene into beta spodumene which is more reactive and easier to treat with sulphuric acid to form lithium sulfate, the next part of the process.

The advanced products developed by AMETEK Land support highly accurate temperature measurement and process efficiency control during the roasting process.