Neometals produces zeolite from lithium residue

Australia-based integrated lithium developer Neometals has developed a process to convert leach residue from lithium production into zeolite, which is used in commercial absorbents, molecular sieves and catalysts.

The process comes from test work together with Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation aimed at developing a saleable product and minimising waste costs at Neometals' proposed lithium hydroxide plant outside Kalgoorlie in Western Australia.

Neometals' integrated lithium strategy includes spodumene mining at the Mount Marion lithium mine, of which it owns 13.8pc, concentrate production, conversion to lithium hydroxide and recycling.

Its proposed 10,000 t/yr lithium hydroxide plant is expected to produce around 62,000 t/yr of leach residue that could be converted into around 100,000 t/yr of zeolite. The global market for zeolite was estimated at around $13.7bn in 2017.

"This has the potential to significantly improve the competitive position of lithium hydroxide production from spodumene," Neometals said, adding that it is seeking to patent its zeolite process.

Neometals has awarded an engineering study contract for a manufacturing plant next to its proposed lithium hydroxide plant. This will be used to assess the economic viability of the manufacturing process and a pilot scale test programme.