Lithium Ore Processing

This white paper by SBM Group provides a comprehensive guide to lithium ore processing. It details the two main lithium sources: hard-rock deposits (spodumene, lepidolite, petalite) and brine deposits. The core section outlines key beneficiation processes: Spodumene Flotation (dominant for hard rock), Lepidolite Flotation, Petalite Gravity-Flotation, and Salt Lake Brine Extraction (solar evaporation & chemical processing). The document covers the full project lifecycle from exploration and plant construction to value realization through concentrate sales, lithium salt conversion, or tolling.