MTM Critical Metals Achieves Direct Spodumene Conversion to Lithium Chloride

MTM Critical Metals Limited has reported a major advancement in its Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology. The Company has achieved a notable milestone by successfully converting SC6 spodumene concentrate directly into Lithium Chloride (LiCl) through a single, acid-free unit operation. This breakthrough not only enhances the efficiency of lithium processing but also represents a significant step forward in sustainable and cost-effective production methods for lithium, a key component in battery manufacturing.

This innovation has the potential to transform lithium refining by dramatically simplifying the processing of spodumene, the primary lithium source for batteries. The new process offers substantial reductions in capital expenditures (CAPEX), operational expenditures (OPEX), and emissions, representing a significant advancement for the industry. By streamlining the conversion of spodumene to lithium chloride through a single, acid-free operation, the technology not only enhances efficiency but also supports more sustainable and cost-effective lithium production. This breakthrough could set a new standard in lithium refining and drive advancements in battery technology.

MTM Critical Metals Limited has achieved a significant breakthrough with its Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology, successfully converting SC6 spodumene concentrate directly into lithium chloride (LiCl) through a single, acid-free unit operation. This innovation simplifies lithium refining, offering notable reductions in both capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational costs (OPEX), while also minimizing emissions. By streamlining the processing of spodumene, a key source of lithium for batteries, the technology not only enhances operational efficiency but also supports more sustainable and cost-effective lithium production, representing a major advancement in the industry.

The company is currently engaging in strategic discussions with major chemical and mining firms to explore collaborative opportunities for testing this technology. Given the global lithium-ion battery market's projected growth to over US$150 billion by 2030, MTM is well-positioned to capitalize on this substantial commercial opportunity. The FJH technology's single-step process accelerates production, drastically reducing conversion time from raw spodumene concentrate to market-ready lithium chloride (LiCl), thereby enhancing efficiency and localizing production capabilities.

By streamlining the process to a single step, FJH technology directly converts spodumene into lithium chloride (LiCl) without the need for acids. This simplified approach not only enhances efficiency but also produces LiCl, a highly valuable product. LiCl can then be effortlessly transformed into 'battery-grade' lithium carbonate or hydroxide, which are crucial materials for battery manufacturing, further adding to the technology's commercial appeal.

MTM CEO Michael Walshe highlighted that their Flash Joule Heating (FJH) technology represents a transformative advance in lithium production. By converting spodumene directly into lithium chloride in a single step without using acids, the process eliminates traditional, energy-intensive kiln methods and reduces reliance on fossil fuels and chemical reagents. This innovation not only cuts costs but also offers substantial capital and environmental benefits. The positive preliminary results indicate significant potential for cost savings, energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact, driving MTM to actively seek collaborations with major industry players to capitalize on these opportunities.