Effect of calcination on coarse gangue rejection of hard rock lithium ores

Abstract

Processing of spodumene ores requires calcination as a compulsory pre-treatment to convert α-spodumene to a more reactive β-spodumene phase. This transformation takes place at an elevated temperature of above 900 °C and results in a 30% volumetric expansion of the mineral and the product having highly altered physical properties. This work examines these induced properties and the effect of calcination on lithium grade deportment with particle size. XRD analysis showed a significant amount of β-spodumene in the calcined finest fraction (i.e. the particles less than 0.6 mm). A marked reduction in the bond ball mill work index of the calcined lithium samples (i.e. 42.3%) was recorded supporting the observed fracturing and friable appearance of the sample following α to β-spodumene conversion. The deportment of lithium to finer fractions was significantly increased when the sample was calcined, indicating selective breakage of the spodumene over gangue minerals.