Lithium Australia (ASX: LIT) has taken a significant step in patenting its unique second-generation LieNA process technology for the recovery of lithium from spodumene has been published by an international body.
Publication by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) is the next step towards the grant of a patent, which provides legal protection in international jurisdictions.
Lithium Australia’s MD, Adrian Griffin said the company, together with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), are developing the LieNA proprietary technology for the recovery of lithium from spodumene, the most common hard-rock source of lithium for the production of critical battery chemicals.
Mr Griffin said that while the recovery rate of lithium from conventional spodumene beneficiation varies, can be as low as 50%, LieNA can recover lithium from the fine spodumene that otherwise reports to waste or tailings streams during current concentration processes.
He said Being able to utilise the fine spodumene that would otherwise go to waste, LieNA has the potential to not only expand current hard-rock lithium resources, thereby reducing mining costs, but also enhance the sustainability of spodumene production and subsequent manufacture of lithium chemicals.
The second-generation LieNA process technology includes enhancements achieved by recovering lithium phosphate.
“The ability to process fine spodumene that would otherwise never enter the supply chain represents a real opportunity,” Mr Griffin said.
“Processing such material can reduce the environmental impact of hard-rock lithium mining and improve sustainability with no additional mining costs or footprint.
Importantly, application of LieNA could not only change the economics of spodumene production but also provide a means of producing lithium-ion batteries that includes fewer processing steps and better quality control.
“We appreciate the involvement of ANSTO, a leader in the field of lithium-extraction technologies,” Mr Griffin said.
Lithium Australia also recent received a ‘Notice of Acceptance’ from IP Australia for the LieNA patent application.
IP Australia, an agency of the federal government’s Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, manages and grants patent applications in the Australian jurisdiction.
