The Role of Sustainable Lithium Processing in Renewable Energy Development: A Comprehensive Review and the Potential of Kazakhstan Deposits

Daulet Sagzhanov (), Labone L. Godirilwe, Batnasan Altansukh, Yasushi Takasaki and Atsushi Shibayama ()
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Daulet Sagzhanov: Department of Earth Resource Engineering and Environmental Science, Faculty of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata-Gakuen machi, Akita 010-8502, Japan
Labone L. Godirilwe: Department of Earth Resource Engineering and Environmental Science, Faculty of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata-Gakuen machi, Akita 010-8502, Japan
Batnasan Altansukh: Department of Inorganic Chemistry and Technology, Institute of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Mongolian Academy of Sciences, 4th Building, Peace Avenue, Bayanzurkh District, Ulaanbaatar 13330, Mongolia
Yasushi Takasaki: Department of Earth Resource Engineering and Environmental Science, Faculty of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata-Gakuen machi, Akita 010-8502, Japan
Atsushi Shibayama: Department of Earth Resource Engineering and Environmental Science, Faculty of International Resource Sciences, Akita University, 1-1 Tegata-Gakuen machi, Akita 010-8502, Japan

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 13, 1-49

Abstract: Lithium, a critical element for clean energy and modern technologies, plays an indispensable role in advancing renewable energy storage, electric vehicles, and high-tech industries. The rapidly growing demand for lithium, along with its limited global production, has led to concerns about the sustainability of current extraction and processing technologies for efficient lithium recovery. This comprehensive review explores global trends in lithium processing, focusing on spodumene beneficiation and extraction techniques. While highlighting well-established conventional processes, such as dense media separation (DMS), flotation, high-temperature roasting, and acid or alkali treatment, it underscores the environmental and economic challenges of these processes, particularly when applied to low-grade lithium ores, which are increasingly being targeted to meet lithium demand. Innovative methods, such as microwave irradiation, are also explored for their potential to improve process efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and minimize environmental impact, offering promising pathways to overcome the limitations of traditional lithium recovery techniques. A significant contribution of this review is its focus on the largely untapped lithium resources of Kazakhstan, presenting geological insights and the potential for sustainable development. By addressing knowledge gaps and integrating technological, eco-friendly, and regional development perspectives, this study provides valuable insights for advancing lithium processing toward more sustainable and circular practices aligned with global climate and resource efficiency goals.

Keywords: lithium; low-grade spodumene; recovery; beneficiation; decrepitation; roasting; leaching (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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