Metso launched an advanced single-pass lithium carbonate process enabling sustainable, cost-efficient battery-grade lithium production with improved operational efficiency.
Metso has launched the next generation of its lithium carbonate production technology, introducing an advanced single-pass process capable of producing battery-grade lithium carbonate from spodumene concentrate with greater efficiency, lower operating costs, and improved sustainability. The newly enhanced process expands the company’s growing portfolio of lithium processing technologies and further strengthens its role as a key technology provider supporting the global transition toward clean energy and critical mineral development.
The global demand for lithium is projected to rise significantly over the coming years as industries continue accelerating the electrification of transportation, the integration of renewable energy systems, and the deployment of large-scale battery storage solutions. This increasing requirement for high-quality lithium chemicals is especially linked to the rapid growth of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery manufacturing, which continues to gain popularity in electric vehicles and energy storage applications. In response to these market trends, Metso’s latest lithium carbonate process is designed to support efficient, scalable, and reliable production of battery-grade lithium materials from mineral-based feedstocks.
According to Metso, the upgraded process combines the company’s established expertise in thermal and hydrometallurgical technologies with comprehensive end-to-end flowsheet capabilities and localized service support. This integrated approach enables customers to achieve stable plant performance, high operational availability, and optimized production efficiency while maintaining safe and dependable processing conditions.
Marika Tiihonen, Technology Manager for Lithium at Metso, stated that the company is pleased to introduce the enhanced lithium carbonate technology to better support customers and partners involved in lithium mineral applications. She emphasized that the process builds upon Metso’s strong track record in hydrometallurgical innovation while reinforcing its capability to provide comprehensive solutions across the lithium value chain.
One of the major advantages of Metso’s new process is its ability to refine spodumene concentrate into battery-grade lithium carbonate in a single processing step. Unlike conventional methods that often require multiple refining stages and create unwanted by-products such as sodium sulfate, Metso’s single-pass approach simplifies the overall production chain. By reducing process complexity, the technology helps customers lower capital investment requirements, improve plant stability, simplify facility design, and accelerate commissioning and operational ramp-up timelines.
At the center of the technology is Metso’s hydrometallurgical alkaline leach process, which provides a safer and more straightforward route for converting spodumene concentrate into high-purity lithium products. The process utilizes soda pressure leaching to selectively extract lithium while minimizing the dissolution of impurities. This selective extraction enhances overall product quality and process efficiency.
The upgraded carbonation-decarbonation stage is another key innovation within the process. It enables the direct production of battery-grade lithium carbonate in one pass while also producing mineral residues that are already neutralized, making them easier to dispose of or potentially reuse in other applications. This contributes to improved environmental performance and supports more sustainable resource management practices.
In addition to improving lithium extraction and refining efficiency, Metso is actively developing a circular metallurgy concept aimed at regenerating chemicals used during the alkaline leach process. This initiative reflects the company’s broader commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency by reducing chemical consumption and minimizing waste generation.
Metso brings more than two decades of expertise in alkaline leaching technologies for hard-rock lithium sources. The newly introduced lithium carbonate process complements the company’s existing lithium technology portfolio, which also includes proprietary solutions for lithium hydroxide production. Together, these technologies provide customers with greater operational flexibility and optimization opportunities throughout the lithium production chain, from ore beneficiation to the manufacturing of battery-grade chemicals.
The company continues to invest heavily in research and development focused on sustainable mineral processing technologies. Through these efforts, Metso aims to help customers improve operational efficiency, reduce emissions, and comply with increasingly stringent environmental and regulatory standards while meeting the rising global demand for critical minerals essential to the clean energy transition.
