Rosneft Successfully Tests New Lithium Carbonate Production Technology

Specialists from Rosneft's scientific institutes in St. Petersburg and Krasnoyarsk have successfully conducted pilot tests of a new technology for producing lithium carbonate from hydromineral raw materials mined at the Yurubcheno-Tokhomskoye and Kuyumbinskoye fields. Lithium carbonate is a crucial raw material for producing lithium hydroxide, which is used in lithium batteries, steel production, pharmaceuticals, and the glass and ceramics industries.

The new technology employs sorbents that selectively absorb lithium ions, making the extraction process environmentally friendly and efficient for producing battery-grade lithium carbonate. Using a domestically produced mobile pilot plant, Rosneft's specialists quickly produced more than 300 kg of lithium carbonate during the tests.

These successful tests pave the way for Rosneft to integrate lithium carbonate production directly into its oil and gas extraction processes. This integration is expected to enhance field exploitation efficiency and reduce the cost of hydrocarbon production.

Currently, Russia does not produce lithium domestically, relying on imports of up to 9,000 tons of lithium carbonate annually. Experts predict that global demand for lithium could reach 1.5 million tons by 2025 and exceed 3 million tons by the end of the decade.