Researchers at Kazakhstan’s National Centre for Complex Processing of Mineral Raw Materials have developed a new technology for extracting lithium from low-grade aluminosilicate ores, achieving lithium oxide concentrate grades of 12 to 14% — approximately double the concentration achievable through conventional extraction methods.
The process is based on carbothermic smelting, which enables effective separation of lithium from the aluminosilicate residue. A notable feature of the technology is its dual output: in addition to lithium concentrate, the process produces FS45-grade ferrosilicon as a co-product, adding commercial value to what would otherwise be process waste.
The new approach is also described as more environmentally responsible than existing methods. By reducing the volume of aggressive sulphuric acid solutions required in processing, the technology lowers both the environmental footprint of production and the associated operating costs — addressing two of the most significant barriers to developing Kazakhstan’s aluminosilicate lithium resources at scale.
The breakthrough was announced by the press service of Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Industry and Construction and represents a potential pathway to utilising lithium-bearing ore bodies that have previously been considered too low-grade for economic extraction.
