Neometals Ltd, an innovative battery materials recycler, has announced outstanding lithium recovery results for its Primobius project. The company achieved lithium recoveries exceeding 93% with a purity of 95% by precipitating lithium fluoride (LiF). This new lithium recovery option can replace Primobius' current lithium solvent-extraction circuit, which produces lithium sulphate (LiSO4), and is expected to reduce operating and capital costs.
The precipitated lithium fluoride (LiF) can be used to produce lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6), a key ingredient in state-of-the-art electrolytes used in lithium-ion battery (LiB) manufacturing. LiF trades at a 60% premium over lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), which is expected to increase revenues for owners of Primobius LiB recycling Hubs with this lithium recovery option.
This development is significant as it offers a more efficient and cost-effective method for recovering lithium from battery materials. The high lithium recovery rates and purity achieved by Neometals demonstrate the effectiveness of their new process. This advancement has the potential to benefit both Neometals and its customers by reducing costs and increasing revenues.