February 22, 2023

Produce Lithium faster


by Eleanore Forner

The demand for lithium is expected to triple by 2030. 

iPhones. Teslas. Tablets. e-Bikes. What do all of these have in common? You probably know the answer – lithium batteries. McKinsey* raises the question: Can the supply can keep pace with the demand?

New technologies are needed to make this happen.

copyright Stark 2023
copyright Stark 2023

"Saleable SC6 concentrate grade spodumene from complex ores can be brought to market within a very short lead time."

< 1 Year

Spodumene – richer than brine in lithium, quicker to process

At one time, spodumene was the primary source of lithium production, but the industry transitioned to extracting lithium from brines because of the significantly lower operating costs. As a result, producers focused on developing brine deposits, while spodumene sources remained largely ignored. However, exploding demand for lithium is calling for more lithium-bearing resources than ever before. This, in combination with spodumene’s high lithium content, has made the exploration for and development of hard-rock lithium deposits a highly attractive endeavor. In addition to its high concentration of lithium, lithium extraction from spodumene also typically offers lower capital costs and a shorter time from discovery to production in comparison to brine operations. *mckinsey on Lithium mining: How new production technologies could fuel the global EV revolution 

86 300 TONNES

2020 GLOBAL PRODUCTION

Lithium global production
McKinsey April 2022

GLOBAL LITHIUM

DEPOSITS

WHY STARK?

SMART: ORE SORTING

We can identify spodumene directly with our sensors. The ore sorting solution we engineer for your particular use will be delivered on site in a container – ready to integrate into your layout. 

 

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DRY-SORTING REDUCES WATER & ENERGY CONSUMPTION

Since mining is about volume, it is also, by nature, about efficiency. Any way to make any part of the process cheaper, faster, simpler is an improvement. XRT was the chance to tighten up the system and skip dense media separation. It also required less water, less energy, and less manpower.

 

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SPEED & ACCURACY

Stark's modular, custom-built, plants are designed around Ore Sorting – using cutting-edge technology to run your mineral processing operations more efficiently and more profitably.

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CASE STUDY

ZULU PROJECT

300

DAYS TO SET UP

3,5

KM2 SURFACE AREA

4000

TONNS PRODUCTION COMMITMENT

ZIMBABWE

Something BIG is being built in Zimbabwe – our team is fast-tracking the Zulu Lithium and Tantalum Project from Premier African Minerals. From breaking ground back in September 2022 to where it stands today, it’s already been an incredible journey. Keep an eye out for more as we get closer to the first run!

Sonja Schadeck

Techno - Economic Engineer –Lithium M.Sc. Business Administration and Engineering: Mech

                   

Six years of experience as a project engineer and sales manager with focus on measurement technologies for various industries, including mining. Profound knowledge of sensor-based solutions for optimised bulk material handling. 

Eleanore Forner at Stark Resources

Eleanore Luise Forner

PRINCIPAL - LITHIUM Pr.Chem.Eng / B.Eng Hons

             

Professional chemical engineer with fifteen years’ experience as a process engineer and a multi-industry career, starting in nuclear (Uranium purification and fluorochemicals), to mining, mineral beneficiation and hydrometallurgy of REE, V, U, Au, Cu/Co, to modular process plant design for polymer injection on the oilfields. Lead Process Design & Commissioning engineer on Zulu Lithium Project.

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Sovereign House,
Port Causeway
Wirral
United Kingdom, CH62 4TP

             

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