Direct synthesis of battery grade LiOH from low grade and complex mineralogy spodumene pegmatite
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | NorthVolt AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 596 202 |
| Project duration | July 2018 - December 2020 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | EUREKA network projects |
Purpose and goal
The project has demonstrated the technological capability of a novel electrochemical process, using hydro-electric power, to directly convert spodumene concentrate into high purity lithium hydroxide. Spodumene concentrate was sourced from European producers, hereby fostering the development of a sustainable European value chain.
Expected results and effects
The project has met all the predefined objectives and demonstrated that the method evaluated is suitable for manufacturing of battery grade LiOH from multiple sources of European spodumene concentrate.
Planned approach and implementation
The execution was enabled due to a large and very effective consortium and partners and the support of a "sister-project" funded by EIT. Some obstacles occurred due to Covid-19 as some of the concentrates could not be made available due to site closures and that one of the labs used was closed for a period of time. However, thanks to a slight elongation of the project and good team work the work has been possible to finalize during end of 2020.