Lithium Carbonate Extraction from McDermitt Clay

The International Energy Agency predicts that hybrid electric vehicles will account for 20 percent of global lithium sales by 2050, and lithium carbonate batteries are in demand for their higher voltages, energy content, chemical stability, long storage life, and good ionic conduction at ambient temperatures. The goal of this project is to design a production plant for lithium carbonate extracted from McDermitt clay found in Nevada and Oregon. The plant is expected to produce 56 tons of lithium carbonate per year from a feed of 2,000 tons of McDermitt clay per day. Key factors analyzed include a clay-gypsum-limestone feed ratio of 5:2:2, power costs for kiln and roaster, and crystallization parameters for glaserite and Glauber’s salt byproducts.