LISXTM A New SX Technology for Lithium Recovery

The lion share of lithium produced globally originates from South American salars. The standard operation for lithium production utilizes an array of evaporation ponds. This process consume vast areas and is either very slow when relying on solar evaporation - roughly 18 months of residence time; or with very high energy consumption since over 90% of initial water volume needs to be evaporated. A new technology, based on solvent extraction was developed. Results indicate a distribution coefficient up to 30, and selectivity greater than 1,000 towards Na extraction. The loaded solvent is stripped using a strong mineral acid, and the product solution is the lithium derivative of that stripping acid. Utilization of this new LiSXTM technology results in reducing the area needed for a commercial plant as well as reduces the residence time. In addition applying different stripping acids can diversify the product line of such facility.