Russian nuclear corporation Rosatom has announced the development of a zero-waste technology to extract lithium from mica ores at the Nurlikon deposit in Uzbekistan. This advancement is set to enhance the country’s burgeoning battery materials industry.
The new technology allows for the production of high-purity lithium carbonate while integrating industrial waste into the processing cycle, according to a report by UzA. This method aims to optimize resource utilization and minimize environmental impact.
The development was executed by specialists from JSC Giredmet, which is part of Rosatom’s scientific division. They designed the technology to suit the geological characteristics of the Nurlikon deposit, where the lithium oxide content in the ore averages around 0.5%.
Valery Golovko, Head of the Technical Department at Giredmet, indicated that the planned processing capacity for the facility is 750,000 tons of ore annually. This is projected to yield more than 8,500 tons of chemically pure (CP-grade) lithium carbonate each year.
A notable aspect of this technology is its capacity to eliminate both liquid and solid waste by reusing industrial by-products in the extraction process. The initiative is seen as a pivotal step in advancing Uzbekistan’s lithium processing industry, reinforcing the nation’s resource base for battery material production while promoting principles of a circular economy.
This innovative approach is expected not only to enhance the efficiency of mineral resource utilization but also to transform industrial waste into reusable materials, thus supporting sustainable practices within the industry.
