Advances in Mineral Processing of Hard-Rock Lithium Ores: A Comprehensive Review

Lithium, known as the energy metal of the twenty-first century, has become a fundamental element due to its recent use in rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and electronic devices. It is anticipated that the global demand for lithium will be more than quadruple, from around 700,000 metric tons in 2022 to over 3 million metric tons in 2030. Lithium resources exist in different deposits, including brines, hard-rock pegmatites, and volcanic clays. Among them, hard rock ores are found worldwide, giving them strategic advantages over other types of deposits. Typically, the mineral processing of hard-rock lithium ores includes comminution to achieve a high degree of mineral liberation and a combination of dense media separation (DMS), magnetic separation, and froth flotation. This review paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of mineral processing technologies used for the beneficiation of hard rock lithium ores, focusing on recent advances and identifying areas for further research and development towards a more sustainable lithium production. Also, the need for life cycle assessment (LCA) studies to assess the environmental impacts associated with responsible mining and beneficiation of lithium ores is briefly discussed. LCA studies may assist in the acquisition of social license to operate (SLO) by the mining industry and accelerate the implementation of sustainable exploration and mining projects related to energy transition minerals, most of which are located near indigenous people's land and environmentally sensitive areas.