Why have most companies started to extract lithium from brine water rather than mineral ore?
There are several reasons why companies have started to extract lithium from brine water rather than mineral ore:
1. Efficiency: Brine water extraction generally requires less energy and resources compared to extracting lithium from mineral ore. It is a simpler and more cost-effective process, making it more attractive to companies.
2. Environmental impact: Extracting lithium from brine water generates less waste and has a lower environmental impact compared to mining and processing mineral ore. This aligns with the increasing focus on sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in industries.
3. Accessibility: Brine water sources are often more easily accessible than mineral ore deposits. This makes it easier and more convenient for companies to extract lithium from brine water, reducing logistical challenges.
4. Purity: Lithium extracted from brine water tends to be of higher purity compared to lithium extracted from mineral ore. This can result in better quality products and improved performance in lithium-based batteries and other applications.
5. More abundant sources: Brine water sources are more abundant globally than high-grade lithium mineral deposits. This makes brine water extraction a more viable option for meeting the growing demand for lithium in various industries.
Overall, the shift towards extracting lithium from brine water is driven by a combination of factors including efficiency, environmental concerns, accessibility, purity, and abundance of sources.