Water & ESG in Lithium Projects: What Regulators Actually Ask
Key ESG Issues Water and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) concerns are now at the forefront of lithium development projects. Regulators, investors, and communities want more than assurances of supply—they want to know that lithium is being produced in ways that align with global sustainability goals. In practice, this means developers must address: Water stewardship: […]
From Spodumene to Carbonate/Hydroxide: A Simple Route Map
Spodumene to LiCO/LiOH: Process Overview Lithium from hard rock is primarily sourced from spodumene, a lithium-bearing mineral found in pegmatite deposits. Mining typically involves open-pit operations where ore is drilled, blasted, and hauled for further processing. Once extracted, the ore undergoes concentration to upgrade the lithium content. This typically involves crushing, grinding, and flotation techniques […]
Brine Handling & Scaling Control in High Salinity Systems
Handling High-Salinity Brines The global rise in lithium demand means brine resources—whether from salt lakes, geothermal reservoirs, or oilfield brines—are under increasing pressure to deliver consistent, battery-grade feedstock. Yet high-salinity systems come with a harsh reality: they bring corrosive conditions, complex impurity profiles, and high scaling risk. For process engineers, this is where good design […]
Removing Mg/Ca Before Crystallization: Better Lithium, Fewer Headaches
Impurity Removal (Mg/Ca) Prior to Crystallization When refining lithium from brines, the presence of divalent cations, such as magnesium (Mg²⁺) and calcium (Ca²⁺), poses a persistent challenge. These ions interfere with crystallization, contribute to scaling, and reduce product purity. Left unchecked, they complicate downstream lithium carbonate or hydroxide crystallization, leading to operational headaches, increased reagent […]
DLE vs Evaporation Ponds: Speed, Yield & Water Use
DLE vs Evaporation Ponds: Key Comparison As lithium demand accelerates, the debate between DLE vs evaporation ponds has shifted from theory into project planning. When choosing between them, three metrics often determine the decision: speed, yield, and water (and land) use. Below is a structured breakdown to help decision-makers assess which route is best for […]