Rosatom develops zero-waste lithium extraction technology in Uzbekistan

The method, developed by specialists from JSC "Giredmet," is designed for processing ore with approximately 0.5% lithium oxide. It allows for the extraction of 94.44% of lithium into the final product, with no liquid or solid waste generated.

For the intermediate process, phosphogypsum from the Almalyk Chemical Plant will be used. This will enable the utilization of around 225,000 tons of industrial waste annually. The remaining processing residues are intended to be directed to the cement industry.

The technology's capacity is 750,000 tons of ore per year. According to Giredmet's estimates, the production of high-purity lithium carbonate will exceed 8,500 tons. Pilot industrial tests are planned for next year to prepare the method for implementation.