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| Evaluation of recovery potential and techno-economic viability of lithium-bearing pegmatite tailing from South-central Africa |
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Received:September 06, 2024
Revised:December 01, 2024
Accepted:December 04, 2024
Published Online:April 30, 2026
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| DOI：10.3969/j.issn.1005-7854.2025.06.014 |
| KeyWord:lithium-bearing tailings;lithium resource recovery;South-central Africa;beneficiation tests;comprehensive utilization |
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| 1.Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co. Ltd., Tongxiang 314500, Zhejiang, China;2.Geological Bureau of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 210007, China;3.Zijin Mining Company Limited, Shanghang 364200, Fujian, China |
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| Abstract: |
| The rapid development of the new energy industry has led to continuously growing global demand for lithium resources. Recovering lithium from lithium-bearing tailings is significant for diversifying lithium supply channels, enhancing the comprehensive utilization of tailings, and promoting the circular economy within the mining industry. This study focuses on three pegmatitic lithium-bearing tailings sites in south-central Africa: Manono, Uis, and Kamativi. Systematic analyses were conducted on tailings deposit characteristics, particle size distribution, occurrence of target minerals, and elemental partitioning patterns, alongside beneficiation tests and an evaluation of factors influencing their development. The research indicates that all three tailings types are in a pre-crushed state, with mineral compositions and chemical constituents similar to those of the parent pegmatites. Lithium is primarily enriched in the coarse fraction (+200 μm), while elements such as tin and tantalum are concentrated in the fine fraction (?200 μm). The "Dense Media Separation+Flotation" process applied to the spodumene-type Manono tailings yielded favorable lithium recovery indicators. Given that the tailings largely originate from shallow, weathered pegmatites, steps such as desliming, scrubbing, and pre-flotation of mica are crucial for improving flotation efficiency and reducing reagent consumption. Heavy liquid separation tests on the spodumene-type Kamativi tailings and the petalite-type Uis tailings showed certain potential for lithium recovery, although the processes require further optimization. Overall, the findings demonstrate the technical feasibility of utilizing lithium-bearing tailings as a supplementary source of lithium. Project development should emphasize the comprehensive recovery of high-value elements like Sn, Nb, Ta, and Be, alongside the resource utilization of gangue minerals, to maximize the value of tailings resources. |
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