Researchers from MIT and associated startups have developed a chemical process to extract lithium from spodumene ore using a weak acid, aiming to reduce energy consumption and operational costs compared to traditional mining methods.

麻省理工學院 (MIT) 及其相關新創公司的研究人員開發了一套化學程序，使用弱酸從鋰輝石礦石中提取鋰，旨在降低能耗與營運成本，以取代傳統的採礦方法。

The current industrial paradigm for lithium procurement relies primarily on brine evaporation or hard-rock mining. The latter necessitates high-temperature roasting (approximately 1,000°C) and the application of sulfuric acid, a process characterized by significant energy expenditure and the generation of sulfurous waste. The proposed alternative utilizes ammonium fluoride dissolved in water, which facilitates the dissolution of silicate minerals at temperatures not exceeding 95°C. This chemical pathway avoids the phase-transformation requirements of traditional kilns, thereby permitting the processing of high-iron ores that would otherwise undergo vitrification.

目前的工業鋰獲取模式主要依賴鹽湖蒸發或硬岩採礦。後者需要高溫焙燒（約 1,000°C）並使用硫酸，此過程的特點是能耗極高且會產生含硫廢料。所提出的替代方案是利用溶解在水中的氟化銨，使矽酸鹽礦物在不超過 95°C 的溫度下即可溶解。此化學路徑避開了傳統窯爐所需的相變要求，因此允許處理否則會發生玻璃化的高鐵礦石。

Technologically, the process is designed as a closed-loop system. The dissolution of spodumene yields lithium fluoride, alongside aluminum and silicon complexes. Through a series of thermal and chemical reactions, the aluminum is converted to aluminum oxide and the silicon to silicon dioxide, both of which possess commercial utility in smelting and concrete reinforcement, respectively. Crucially, the hydrogen fluoride generated during these secondary stages is reacted with ammonia to regenerate the initial ammonium fluoride reagent. This 'nose-to-tail' approach maximizes resource recovery and minimizes chemical waste.

在技術上，該程序被設計為一個閉環系統。鋰輝石的溶解會產生氟化鋰，以及鋁和矽的複合物。透過一系列熱反應與化學反應，鋁被轉化為氧化鋁，矽被轉化為二氧化矽，兩者分別在冶金和混凝土加強方面具有商業用途。至關重要的是，在這些次級階段產生的氟化氫會與氨反應，以再生最初的氟化銨試劑。這種「全方位」的方法最大限度地回收資源並最小化化學廢物。

From a fiscal perspective, the researchers project a cost of approximately $5,000 to $6,000 per metric ton of lithium, which is competitive with brine extraction and lower than the estimated $9,000 per ton for conventional hard-rock processing. However, external analysts suggest these estimates may be optimistic. The commercialization effort, led by the startup Rock Zero, faces a volatile market characterized by price fluctuations and the potential emergence of lithium-free alternatives, such as sodium-ion batteries. A pilot plant is projected for completion by 2026, with operational commencement slated for 2027.

從財務角度來看，研究人員預計每公噸鋰的成本約為 5,000 至 6,000 美元，這與鹽湖提取具有競爭力，且低於傳統硬岩處理估計的每噸 9,000 美元。然而，外部分析師認為這些估計可能過於樂觀。由新創公司 Rock Zero 領導的商業化努力，面臨著價格波動劇烈的市場，以及可能出現的無鋰替代方案，例如鈉離子電池。試驗工廠預計於 2026 年完工，並計劃於 2027 年開始運作。

The proposed method offers a potentially more efficient and sustainable alternative for lithium extraction, though its ultimate viability depends on market stability and successful industrial scaling.

所提出的方法為鋰提取提供了一個潛在更高效且更永續的替代方案，儘管其最終可行性取決於市場穩定性以及工業規模化的成功程度。