How a new extraction process could unlock the world’s lithium

The Future of Lithium Extraction: A New Process Could Unlock the World's Reserves

Lithium, a crucial metal used in the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles and energy storage arrays, has long been a subject of interest for its potential to drive the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, the extraction of lithium has been a challenging and often environmentally costly process. Researchers at MIT have now developed a new method that could unlock the world's lithium reserves, making it more accessible and affordable.

The Current State of Lithium Extraction

The most economical way to extract lithium currently is to extract it from brine, salty water that's pulled the metal out of rock over the course of millennia. However, this technique is geographically limited and requires vast tracts of land for massive evaporation pools. The more common tactic is hard-rock mining, where large bodies of ore are blasted apart, cooked at high temperatures, and processed using dangerous chemicals.

A New Method for Lithium Extraction

The researchers' new method uses a weak acid to dissolve typically nonreactive silicate minerals. This frees not only the lithium but also other useful materials, including alumina and silica. The acid used in this process is ammonium fluoride, a weak acid that can effectively dissolve silicate minerals without producing hydrofluoric acid in the process.

The Inspiration Behind the Research

The origin story for this research came from another startup founded by Yet-Ming Chiang, Sublime Systems, which makes cement using electrochemistry. The team was trying to find a source of highly reactive silica in order to form stronger cement. One way to make reactive materials is to take a nonreactive material, dissolve it, and then allow it to become solid in a more reactive form.

The Process in Action

The new process relies on simple stirred plastic tanks and takes place at temperatures up to about 95 °C (200 °F). The ammonium fluoride dissolves the silicates, which in earlier experiments allowed nearly all of the lithium inside the spodumene ore to be extracted within a couple of days. The researchers have since cut this time to under 12 hours.

The Products of the Process

The products of the process are lithium carbonate, which can be used to make batteries; alumina, which can go into a smelter to make aluminum; and cementitious silica, which can be added into concrete. The acid can be reused in the same loop, making the process even more efficient.

The Potential Impact of the New Method

The researchers estimate that the cost of this process once fully scaled up will be less than $6,000 per metric ton of lithium. This is lower than the cost of other processes used to extract lithium from hard-rock ore today, and it could be competitive with brine. The team has designed a pilot plant and is looking for space to build it, with plans to have construction done by the end of 2026 and start operating the facility in 2027.

The Challenges Ahead

The lithium market is still relatively small, and prices have seen huge swings in recent years. New lithium extraction technologies like the one developed by the researchers will have to compete with methods used by existing giants, and there's also the potential that technological alternatives, like sodium-ion batteries that don't need lithium, could make the market more difficult to navigate.

Conclusion

The new method for lithium extraction developed by researchers at MIT has the potential to unlock the world's lithium reserves, making it more accessible and affordable. While there are challenges ahead, the potential impact of this technology could be significant, driving the transition to a low-carbon economy and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. As the world continues to transition to renewable energy sources, the demand for lithium is expected to increase, and the development of new extraction methods like this one will be crucial in meeting that demand.

Forward-Looking Thoughts

The development of new extraction methods like this one is just one part of the solution to the challenges facing the lithium industry. As the demand for lithium continues to grow, it's essential that we also focus on reducing waste and increasing recycling rates. By working together, we can ensure that the lithium industry is sustainable and responsible, and that we can meet the growing demand for this critical metal.

Source: https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/05/28/1138096/lithium-extraction-rock-zero/