China achieves major breakthrough in lepidolite lithium extraction technology
2026-08-13 10:48:14 [Print]
A research project led by Changsha Nonferrous Metallurgical Design and Research Institute Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Chinalco International, has successfully overcome long-standing technical challenges in lepidolite-based lithium extraction, including severe equipment corrosion, ring formation in rotary kilns, and low recovery rates. The achievement, now validated in large-scale industrial production, marks a critical step forward in the high-value utilization of China's complex, low-grade lepidolite resources.
According to Chen Yuping, chief designer of the project, lepidolite ore presents significant metallurgical difficulties due to its complex composition, low lithium content, high levels of impurities, and notably elevated fluorine content. After years of dedicated research, the team pioneered a molten salt displacement roasting technology, which fundamentally eliminates equipment corrosion and kiln ring formation while substantially improving lithium recovery efficiency.
According to Chen Yuping, chief designer of the project, lepidolite ore presents significant metallurgical difficulties due to its complex composition, low lithium content, high levels of impurities, and notably elevated fluorine content. After years of dedicated research, the team pioneered a molten salt displacement roasting technology, which fundamentally eliminates equipment corrosion and kiln ring formation while substantially improving lithium recovery efficiency.
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