Russia in Lithium Production with New Extraction Method

In a significant leap forward, scientists from Russia have developed a lithium extraction technology that boasts a 98% yield from pegmatite sources. This breakthrough could put Russia into the ranks of the world's leading lithium producers, a vital element for the burgeoning electric vehicle battery market and other modern industrial applications.

The spotlight is on the Kolmozero deposit, identified in 1947 and home to over 500,000 tonnes of lithium resources. This deposit is at the heart of development plans by Polar Lithium, a collaborative effort between Rosatom and MMC Norilsk Nickel. With preliminary field work wrapping up, the venture is poised to start mining operations by 2026, aiming to elevate Russia's status in the global lithium marketplace significantly.

Leveraging a sulphuric acid-based method for extracting lithium from spodumene—a prevalent source of the metal—the technology promises unprecedented recovery rates and purity levels. This method, refined by the Russian Academy of Sciences, is expected to set a new standard in lithium carbonate production, essential for solid-state batteries and a spectrum of other technological advancements.