Lithium hydroxide process

Proprietary technology. Simply sustainable

Backed by novel and world-class research and testing capabilities, Metso’s proprietary alkaline pressure leach process produces battery-grade lithium salts while adhering to the highest environmental standards.

Technology

Proprietary technology for refining spodumene concentrate

Cost efficiency

Lower capital and operating costs due to streamlined flowsheet and lower reagent usage

Sustainability

Sustainable and safe process as residues are inert and readily neutralized

Soaring demand for lithium

The demand for lithium is predicted to triple over the next decade, according to forecasts. Electric-vehicle (EV) boom, fueled by the urgent need to implement solutions and technologies limiting global warming, are driving lithium-ion battery development and production.

With the growing share of renewable energy in the global energy mix, the demand for effective energy storage technologies becomes increasingly important to ensure a stable and resilient power supply.

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Metso lithium hydroxide process

Industry’s most comprehensive scope of supply

We have the robust proprietary technology, knowhow and insight needed to help improve the efficiency and sustainability of the entire lithium hydroxide value chain.

Core	Ancillary	Enablers	Services
Spodumene calciner & cooler	Ion exchanger (partnerd)	Courier® on-line analyzer	Life Cycle services
OKTOP® autocalve plant unit - Opens in a new window	Feeding systems (including patnered)	Geminex™ metallurgical digital twin	Spare parts
OKTOP® reactor plant unit - Opens in a new window	Cyrstalizers (partnered)	Metallurgical tesing & piloting	Installation, commissioning & start-up services
OKTOP® cooling tower - Opens in a new window	Packaging system (partnerd)	Plant & process engineering	Equipment inspections & upgrades
Larox® PF pressure filter - Opens in a new window			Training services
LSF polishing filter - Opens in a new window			Consignment stock spare part services

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Comprehensive research and testwork capabilities

As part of our commitment to strong and on-going research and development, we strive to develop new and improved equipment and processing technologies that satisfy the ever-changing needs of our customers. To meet the evolving needs of the battery industry, Metso has expanded its process piloting capabilities at the Pori Research Center.

We have successfully tested and piloted the process with several spodumene concentrates to produce battery-grade end product. Additionally, the alkaline leaching concept is under development to cover also other lithium minerals like petalite, zinnwaldite and lepidolite.

Comprehensive research and testwork capabilities

Sustainable lithium hydroxide technology to help our planet

Metso is providing the way for our customers to achieve the lowest GWP (Global Warming Potential) in lithium production from spodumene.

Metso Plus process:

Reduced pollution to air, water, and soil with neutral and sulfate free residues
40-60% reduction in water use, as well as acidification and eutrophication impact categories, based on LCIA (Life Cycle Impact Assessment) results of lithium hydroxide production
Minimized plant footprint & embedded carbon