Applications of advanced analytical and mass spectrometry techniques to the characterisation of micaceous lithium-bearing ores

The majority of the Li mica particles were liberated from the major gangue minerals under the conditions used to treat and screen samples to pass a 4 mm sieve. Further grinding will be required to breakup and expose fine grains of Li muscovite, polylithionite, and trilithionite, for further treatment to extract Li. The processes used to breakdown the micas to extract Li will also require stabilising and removal of F, Fe, Al, Mn and monovalent ions K and Na from process streams. The high concentration of Rb (0.9-3.6 wt%) and Cs (0.1-0.8 wt%) make mica a favourable resource for these elements and they can ultimately be recovered along with Li.