EUREKA projekt E!12650 Direct LiOH Ref, Direct synthesis of battery grade LiOH from low grade and complex mineralogy spodumene pegmatite, Northvolt AB

Syfte och mål

The project shall develop the technological capability of a novel electrochemical process, using hydro-electric power, to directly convert spodumene concentrate into high purity lithium hydroxide.

Förväntade effekter och resultat

The expected result of the project is a robust and flexible spodumene processing of low-grade and high mineralogical complexity ore resources. To achieve this the following related, technological result are expected: 1. A developed/adapted direct electrochemical lithium hydroxide synthesis approach that is capable of processing low-grade/complex spodumene minerals. 2. Defined (if any) applicable iterations to existing and proposed flow sheets of Spodumene producers/concentrators, that ensure a minimum technical specification of the feed stock to the refining process.

Planerat upplägg och genomförande

The following tasks are foreseen to complete the work: Task 1 Sample collection and preparation Task 2 Characterisation, ore and concentrate Task 3 Testing conversion and leaching characteristics Task 4 Pilot processing of ore samples Task 5 Analysis and qualification of process results Task 6 Adaptation of the electro chemical process Task 7 Test work on producing high grade spodumene concentrate