Lithium Brine Processing
Salt lake brines contain lithium in solution with sodium, potassium, magnesium and boron.
Solar Evaporation
Lined evaporation ponds concentrate lithium from ~200 mg/L to 2,000-6,000 mg/L over 12-18 months. Lime and soda ash precipitate impurities.
Chemical Plant
Soda ash precipitation produces lithium carbonate (99% Li₂O₂). Further purification produces battery-grade (>99.5%).