Processing – TLEA

Process

With our fully automated Kwinana lithium hydroxide refinery, TLEA has created one of the most advanced lithium processing plants in the world.

Our innovative approach takes raw spodumene ore, filtering out impurities and other materials to create a range of products that provide value to many different industries.

Here’s how it works.

1. CALCINATION

The spodumene is heated to change its crystal structure to a form which can react with acid. Natural gas is used in the calcination process to reduce carbon emissions.

2. ACID ROASTING

The altered spodumene is mixed with acid and heated to form an impure lithium sulphate solution.

3. NEUTRALISATION AND FILTRATION

This produces aluminosilicate as a co-product which can then be used beneficially in other industries, such as concrete manufacturing and agriculture. This solids removal leaves behind lithium sulphate (Li₂S0₄) solution. Solids are filtered from the solution, and the liquid solution is neutralised before being re-filtered.

4. IMPURITY REMOVAL AND EVAPORATION

Excess water is evaporated from the lithium sulphate solution to increase the concentration of lithium sulphate.

5. LITHIUM HYDROXIDE REACTOR

The lithium hydroxide reactor converts the lithium sulphate to lithium hydroxide in solution.

6. GLAUBER’S SALT CRYSTALISATION

The solution is cooled to sub-zero temperatures to separate the sodium sulphate from the lithium hydroxide.

7. SODIUM SULPHATE CRYSTALLISATION

The solution is cooled to crystallise the sodium sulphate, leaving the lithium hydroxide in solution.

8. SODIUM SULPHATE DRYING AND PACKAGING

The sodium sulphate is then dried and packaged in 1,000kg bags.

9. LITHIUM HYDROXIDE PRODUCT CRYSTALLISATION

The remaining lithium-hydroxide-in-solution is crystallised.

10. LITHIUM HYDROXIDE MONOHYDRATE DRYING AND PACKAGING

This final step removes residual moisture from the lithium hydroxide monohydrate before it’s packaged in fully sealed 450kg bags for transportation.