Hard-Rock Lithium Processing and Flotation Solutions
Arkema: Innovative Technologies in Froth Flotation for Lithium Minerals
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Hard-Rock Lithium Mineral Processing
Lithium is produced primarily from hard-rock mineral deposits and lithium-bearing brines. Hard-rock deposits containing spodumene, lepidolite, petalite, and other lithium-bearing minerals can be processed using beneficiation techniques such as froth flotation to produce lithium concentrates for downstream applications.
During lithium flotation, reagents can be tailored to selectively float either the lithium-bearing mineral or unwanted gangue minerals depending on the mineralogy of the deposit and the beneficiation flowsheet.
Because every lithium ore body is different, successful flotation requires a reagent program and process conditions tailored to the specific ore.
Lithium Flotation Challenges
Hard-rock lithium ores can present complex mineral separation challenges that directly affect concentrate quality and recovery.
Common processing objectives include:
- Separating lithium-bearing minerals from gangue
- Improving spodumene and other lithium mineral recovery
- Increasing lithium concentrate grade
- Improving flotation selectivity
- Managing complex and variable ore mineralogy
- Controlling slurry rheology
- Responding to changing ore and operating conditions
- Optimizing overall process economics
As lithium deposits become more complex, customized flotation strategies become increasingly important for achieving the required concentrate specifications.
Arkema's Lithium Flotation Solutions
Arkema develops customized hard-rock lithium flotation programs using CustAmine® cationic collectors and CustoFloat® anionic collectors based on the mineralogical characteristics of each ore body and processing operation.
Our lithium mineral processing solutions include:
- CustAmine® cationic collectors
- CustoFloat® anionic collectors
- Frothers
- Dispersants
- Rheology modifiers
- Flocculants
- Customized flotation reagent programs
- Laboratory and metallurgical testing
- Flowsheet development
- Ongoing process consultation
Our flotation technologies can be formulated to selectively float either lithium-bearing minerals or unwanted gangue minerals, helping producers achieve the required balance of lithium concentrate grade, recovery, and flotation selectivity.
Arkema's metallurgical experts evaluate individual ore characteristics and operating conditions to develop reagent programs and beneficiation strategies tailored to each lithium processing operation.
Optimize Lithium Grade and Recovery
Successful hard-rock lithium beneficiation requires more than selecting an individual collector. Ore mineralogy, reagent interactions, flowsheet design, slurry characteristics, water quality, and operating conditions can all influence flotation performance.
Arkema works with lithium producers to develop customized solutions that can help:
- Increase lithium mineral recovery
- Improve concentrate grade
- Enhance flotation selectivity
- Improve gangue rejection
- Optimize reagent use
- Manage slurry rheology
- Respond to ore variability
- Improve overall processing performance
Why Choose Arkema?
Every hard-rock lithium deposit presents different mineralogical and processing challenges.
Arkema combines CustAmine® and CustoFloat® collector technologies with laboratory testing, customized reagent development, flowsheet expertise, and ongoing technical support to help producers optimize lithium beneficiation.
Our metallurgical experts work closely with customers from initial ore evaluation and reagent development through plant trials and ongoing process optimization as ore characteristics and operating conditions change.
Partner with Arkema
Whether you're developing a new hard-rock lithium resource, optimizing spodumene flotation, or improving an existing lithium beneficiation operation, Arkema's mineral processing experts are ready to help.
Send us your lithium ore and let our technical experts develop a customized flotation reagent program and beneficiation strategy designed to improve lithium concentrate grade, recovery, selectivity, and overall process performance.
