The world’s first salt lake raw brine adsorption project, the Phase III technological upgrade project of China Minmetals Corporation (China Minmetals)’s lithium project in the Yiliping production area, has completed a trial run, laying a solid foundation for full-scale production.
Phase III technological upgrade project of China Minmetals Corporation’s lithium project in the Yiliping production area [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
The Phase III project utilizes the pioneering technology of the salt lake raw brine high-efficiency lithium extraction. By integrating cutting-edge salt lake extraction research with production process enhancements, the project further validates the feasibility of lithium extraction from raw brine on an industrial scale.
Equipment for salt lake raw brine adsorption project [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Located in the Yiliping area of the Qaidam Basin, Qinghai Province, the Phase III project covers a total construction area of approximately 12,000 square meters. The project consists of the pumping station and the lithium carbonate production area. Building on an existing 10,000-ton-per-year lithium carbonate production line, the project introduces raw brine lithium extraction technology to upgrade the production process, increasing annual lithium carbonate output by 5,000 tons.
Upon completion, the project is expected to double lithium extraction efficiency at the Yiliping area, significantly shorten production cycles, extend the service life of the mine, and reduce lithium carbonate production costs.
It will also contribute to establishing a world-class salt lake industry base, deepening the comprehensive development of Qinghai's salt lake resources, and driving high-quality growth across downstream industries.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
