By Nima Fakhralmobasheri, Coordinator, Mineral Recovery Research Centre; and Research Assistant, Edith Cowan University
Edith Cowan University and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia have embarked on an innovative project aimed at revolutionising lithium extraction, with the goal of aligning with Australia’s net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
With a substantial $450,000 investment from the Western Australian state government, Edith Cowan University (ECU) and the Minerals Research Institute of Western Australia (MRIWA) are pioneering a direct lithium extraction (DLE) method utilising advanced membrane technology. This method promises to enhance the efficiency and environmental sustainability of lithium extraction, a critical mineral for the electric vehicle industry and renewable energy storage solutions.
Membrane technology: a game changer
The project, led by Associate Professor Amir Razmjou, involves using membranes with nanochannels designed to selectively transport lithium ions under an electric field. This technology, similar to the principles of lithium-ion batteries, reduces energy consumption and minimises environmental impact, particularly concerning water usage and carbon emissions.
‘The nanochannels within the membranes are designed to selectively transport lithium from one side to the other, leaving impurities behind,’ says Razmjou.
Environmental and economic benefits
The traditional lithium extraction methods are carbon‑intensive, emitting approximately 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of lithium hydroxide produced. In contrast, the new DLE method developed by ECU and MRIWA could potentially reduce this down to five tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of lithium hydroxide. This significant reduction is crucial for meeting the targets set by Australia’s Net Zero Act 2010, which demands net zero carbon emissions from the mining industry by 2045.
‘This is just the first step in an incredibly important venture between ECU and MRIWA,’ says Razmjou. ‘This method will significantly reduce water usage and carbon dioxide emissions, making the lithium extraction more environmentally friendly and efficient.’ It is set to change the future of DLE.
Economic projections and industry integration
The project is expected to expand its value significantly, from $4 million in the first five years to $20 million at the commercialisation stage. This growth will create new supply chains and job opportunities in the lithium extraction and renewable energy sectors.
Moreover, the project’s integration with renewable energy sources could pave the way for zero-lithium mining, further reducing the carbon footprint of the lithium value chain.
Key advantages
The ECU–MRIWA project offers several key advantages that make it a game changer in the lithium extraction industry.
Substantially lower carbon dioxide emissions: The DLE technology developed by ECU and MRIWA significantly reduces carbon dioxide emissions associated with lithium extraction. Traditional methods emit around 15 tonnes of carbon dioxide per tonne of lithium hydroxide produced, whereas the DLE method reduces this to just five tonnes of carbon dioxide. This reduction is critical for meeting Australia’s environmental targets and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.
Reduced flowsheet complexity: The innovative membrane technology has the potential to simplify the lithium extraction process by 30–40 per cent. By reducing the number of steps and the complexity of the extraction flowsheet, the project enhances efficiency and lowers operational costs. This simplification also minimises the environmental impact of the extraction process, making it more sustainable and economically viable.
Indigenous capabilities development: By developing and implementing this advanced DLE technology locally, the project reduces reliance on foreign lithium processing technologies, including those from China. This fosters the growth of local capabilities in lithium extraction and processing, enhancing Australia’s technological independence, and boosting the local economy.
Reduced production time: The DLE technology drastically cuts production time from weeks and months to mere hours and days. This accelerated production process increases the scalability of lithium extraction, meeting the growing global demand for lithium more efficiently. Faster production times also translate to quicker market response, providing a competitive edge in the global lithium market. Traditional lithium extraction methods can take several weeks to months to produce lithium hydroxide. In contrast, the DLE method developed by ECU and MRIWA significantly reduces this timeframe to mere hours or days, drastically increasing the efficiency of lithium production. This accelerated timeline enhances scalability and improves the ability to meet the growing global demand for lithium.
Scientific insights
The DLE process ensures high-purity lithium extraction with minimal energy consumption, setting a new benchmark for efficiency in mineral processing. Additionally, it simplifies the extraction flowsheet by eliminating several intermediate steps, reducing the need for multiple stages of chemical processing and significant energy inputs. This streamlined approach, enabled by membrane technology, results in a more straightforward and cost-effective pathway for lithium extraction, making the process more efficient and environmentally friendly.
A step towards net zero carbon by 2050
Australia has set an ambitious target to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Achieving this goal requires significant advancements in sustainable technologies and practices across various industries. The ECU‑MRIWA lithium extraction project exemplifies the kind of innovation needed to meet these targets. By reducing the environmental impact of lithium extraction and promoting the use of cleaner technologies, this project is a critical component of Australia’s strategy to combat climate change and transition to a sustainable future.
‘This integration with renewable energy could achieve zero-lithium mining,’ says Razmjou. ‘The potential of this project is immense; establishing a new DLE manufacturing line will create a new supply chain and generate job opportunities.’
Broader implications and future prospects
The success of this project sets a precedent for future research and development in sustainable mining technologies, encouraging other industries to adopt similar practices. The scalability of the membrane technology means it could be applied to other critical minerals, further enhancing Australia’s position as a leader in sustainable resource management.
By fostering innovation and sustainability, the ECU–MRIWA collaboration not only addresses current industry challenges, but also contributes to a resilient and forward-thinking economy.
