Metso has launched a significantly upgraded version of its lithium carbonate production process, positioning itself more aggressively in the race to supply the battery materials essential for the world’s accelerating energy transition.
The new single‑pass technology is engineered to deliver high‑purity, battery‑grade lithium carbonate from spodumene concentrate with greater efficiency, lower operating costs, and a markedly reduced environmental footprint.
With global lithium demand set to surge as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and large‑scale battery storage continue their rapid expansion, the pressure is on for producers to scale up sustainably.
Metso’s enhanced process directly targets this challenge, offering a streamlined, scalable route to battery‑grade lithium carbonate — particularly relevant as interest grows in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production.
Marika Tiihonen, Metso’s Technology Manager for Lithium, said: “We are pleased to introduce our enhanced lithium carbonate process to support customers and partners in lithium minerals related applications. By combining our proven thermal and hydrometallurgical technologies with our strong end-to-end flowsheet capabilities and local service support to maximise production, we can deliver high availability lithium processing plants while enabling efficient, safe and reliable operations. This launch builds on our strong track record in hydrometallurgical technologies and further strengthens Metso’s ability to support customers across the lithium value chain.”
Fewer process steps translate into lower capital expenditure, simplified plant design, faster commissioning, and improved operational stability. At the heart of the system is Metso’s alkaline soda pressure leach technology, which selectively extracts lithium while minimising soluble impurities.
The resulting carbonation–decarbonation stage produces battery‑grade lithium carbonate in one pass, and the neutralised mineral residue can be more easily disposed of or repurposed.
Metso is also advancing a circular metallurgy concept aimed at regenerating chemicals used in the alkaline leach process, further reducing waste and environmental impact.