Compared to the process of extracting lithium from mineral deposits, the process of extracting lithium from evaporation ponds requires
less mechanical and chemical processing.
In the process of extracting lithium from mineral deposits, mining operations need to be carried out to extract the lithium-containing ore. The ore then needs to be processed using a series of mechanical and chemical processes to extract the lithium. This can be a costly and energy-intensive process.
On the other hand, the process of extracting lithium from evaporation ponds is more straightforward and less resource-intensive. Lithium-rich brine is pumped from underground reservoirs into evaporation ponds, where it is left to evaporate under the sun. As the water evaporates, lithium salts concentrate in the remaining brine, which can then be extracted and processed to obtain lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide.
Overall, extracting lithium from evaporation ponds is generally considered to be a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly method compared to extracting lithium from mineral deposits.