MTM Critical Metals introduces groundbreaking lithium extraction technology

MTM Critical Metals Limited (ASX: $MTM) has announced groundbreaking results from its initial Flash Joule Heating (FJH) tests, demonstrating a remarkable 92% reduction in the calcination time of spodumene concentrate from a lithium mine compared to conventional processing in a rotary kiln. The company aims to address the significant energy demands of current industrial processes by making lithium extraction from the mineral spodumene more efficient.

MTM Chairman's perspective on the revolutionary FJH technology

MTM Chairman, Mr John Hannaford, expressed that 'FJH has the potential to revolutionise lithium refining by significantly enhancing or even eliminating the calcination step, which is crucial for making the mineral spodumene amenable to leaching. FJH treatment of spodumene concentrate rendered the material unrefractory in a fraction of the time required by conventional kiln calcination. While these results are preliminary and unoptimized, they present an exciting path forward for FJH to revolutionise how lithium is extracted in the future.'

Implications and future prospects

The initial FJH testing by MTM Critical Metals has shown promising potential to transform the lithium refining process, with the possibility of eliminating or significantly enhancing the energy-intensive calcination step. The company's ambitions to collaborate with industrial chemicals and mining companies to implement FJH technology indicate a positive outlook for the future of lithium extraction. Additionally, the company's plans to explore the recovery of lithium from spodumene waste tailings and address other refractory mineral processing challenges, including rare earths, niobium, and gold, demonstrate a strategic and forward-thinking approach.