Analytical traceability of lithium raw materials

Objective

Evaluation of the analytical possibilities to ensure the traceability of mineral lithium raw materials (spodumene, petalite, lepidolite) and thereby secure a sustainable supply of raw materials

Background

The demand for lithium as a raw material is increasing due to the electrification of the transport sector (lithium-ion batteries) and the expansion of renewable energies and their storage. Currently, mined mineral raw materials are processed into concentrates, which are then usually transported over long distances by ship to the processing plants. As with other raw materials, it is recommended to develop a system to trace the origin of each raw material along the value chain. For this purpose, combined mineralogical-geochemical studies are carried out on global reference samples to trace the origin of raw materials or concentrates from various ore provinces and deposits.