Metso launches next-generation lithium carbonate production process

Metso has introduced the next generation of its lithium carbonate production process, a single-pass technology designed to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate from spodumene concentrate with high yield, lower operating costs, and reduced process complexity.

The company said the enhanced process strengthens its lithium processing portfolio and supports growing global demand for battery materials driven by electric vehicles, renewable energy integration, and energy storage systems.

According to Metso, the lithium carbonate process refines spodumene into battery-grade lithium carbonate in one pass while avoiding by-products such as sodium sulfate. The company said reducing the number of processing steps can help lower capital costs, simplify plant design, improve operational stability, and shorten ramp-up periods.

The process uses Metso’s hydrometallurgical alkaline leach technology, including soda pressure leaching, to selectively extract lithium while limiting soluble impurities. Metso said its enhanced carbonation-decarbonation stage enables one-pass production of battery-grade lithium carbonate, while mineral residue exits the process neutralized for easier disposal or reuse.

Metso also said it is testing and developing a circular metallurgy concept to regenerate chemicals used during the alkaline leach process.

“We are pleased to introduce our enhanced lithium carbonate process to support customers and partners in lithium minerals related applications,” said Marika Tiihonen, Technology Manager for Lithium at Metso. “By combining our proven thermal and hydrometallurgical technologies with our strong end-to-end flowsheet capabilities and local service support to maximize production, we can deliver high availability lithium processing plants while enabling efficient, safe, and reliable operations.”

The company said growing adoption of lithium iron phosphate batteries is increasing interest in lithium carbonate production from mineral raw materials.

Metso has more than 20 years of experience developing alkaline leaching technologies for hard rock lithium sources. The new lithium carbonate process complements the company’s existing lithium hydroxide production technologies and expands its ability to support lithium processing operations from ore beneficiation through battery-grade chemical production.