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Optimization of an innovative approach involving mechanical activation and acid digestion for the extraction of lithium from lepidolite

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Abstract

The recovery of lithium from hard rock minerals has received increased attention given the high demand for this element. Therefore, this study optimized an innovative process, which does not require a high-temperature calcination step, for lithium extraction from lepidolite. Mechanical activation and acid digestion were suggested as crucial process parameters, and experimental design and response-surface methodology were applied to model and optimize the proposed lithium extraction process. The promoting effect of amorphization and the formation of lithium sulfate hydrate on lithium extraction yield were assessed. Several factor combinations led to extraction yields that exceeded 90%, indicating that the proposed process is an effective approach for lithium recovery.

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Acknowledgements

The author N. Vieceli acknowledges the doctorate grant ref. 9244/13-1 supplied by CAPES Foundation, Ministry of Education of Brazil. The authors are also very grateful to Felmica Minerais Industriais, S.A. for having kindly provided the lepidolite ore used in the tests.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Innovation, Technology and Policy Research – IN+, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal

    Nathália Vieceli & Fernanda Margarido

  2. LNEG – Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, I.P., Campus do Lumiar, 1649-038, Lisboa, Portugal

    Carlos A. Nogueira

  3. CERENA – Centro de Recursos Naturais e Ambiente, DECivil, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal

    Manuel F. C. Pereira, Fernando O. Durão & Carlos Guimarães

Authors
  1. Nathália Vieceli
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  2. Carlos A. Nogueira
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  3. Manuel F. C. Pereira
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  4. Fernando O. Durão
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  5. Carlos Guimarães
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  6. Fernanda Margarido
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Correspondence to Nathália Vieceli.

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Vieceli, N., Nogueira, C.A., Pereira, M.F.C. et al. Optimization of an innovative approach involving mechanical activation and acid digestion for the extraction of lithium from lepidolite. Int J Miner Metall Mater 25, 11–19 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-018-1541-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-018-1541-7

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