Conventional chemical treatment for downstream lithium polishing becomes increasingly challenging for feedstocks containing high concentrations of magnesium, calcium, and sodium, often requiring multiple reagent-intensive purification steps. Our electrodialysis process employs lithium-selective cation-exchange membranes to continuously polish lithium products while reducing chemical consumption, minimizing waste generation, and improving lithium recovery.

By some estimates, lithium found in sedimentary brines could provide over 10% of short-to-medium-term global supply. Because lithium is present at low concentrations relative to traditional resources such as salars and pegmatites, highly selective Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies are required. This talk discusses the development of advanced ion-exchange sorbents designed to be sufficiently robust for economic use at industrial scales.

The production of battery-grade lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) requires the removal of insoluble impurities. This is achieved by converting Li2CO3 into water-soluble lithium bicarbonate via CO2 contact in a bicarbonate reactor. Scaling this process from the lab to an industrial scale presents challenges due to complex three-phase interactions. This presentation showcases a case study with original products, detailing pilot tests in a scalable stirred reactor system, scale-up methodology, and continuous reactor modeling. Key parameters—pressure, temperature, stirring, and gas injection—were investigated. The study validated process conditions and developed a commercial reactor design, demonstrating a reliable scale-up approach.

This presentation examines the extraction of lithium from Great Salt Lake brine, and the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate. A joint perspective between Lilac's direct lithium extraction (DLE) ion-exchange system, which produces lithium sulfate via sulfuric-acid elution, and JordProxa's downstream process to produce lithium carbonate is presented. The work highlights flowsheet design, equipment considerations, and trade-offs associated with sulfate-based DLE pathways, including implications for product qualification and offtake.

Optimizing autoclave performance is essential for improving metal recovery, reducing operating costs, and supporting the commercial viability of hydrometallurgical processes. This presentation examines strategies for maximizing reaction yields through the optimization of process parameters, reactor conditions, and operating practices.

The Lofdal Heavy Rare Earth Project in Namibia is a xenotime-dominant rare earth deposit and a potential source of critical heavy rare earth elements. Comprehensive test programs over the years have supported the development of an integrated flowsheet from beneficiation through to hydrometallurgical processing. This presentation provides an update on recent progress in flotation and hydrometallurgical development, including pilot-scale testing and key outcomes supporting overall flowsheet advancement.

Economic production of rare earth elements requires rigorous evaluation of competing separation technologies. This presentation outlines USA Rare Earths' systematic assessment of continuous ion-exchange (CIX) and solvent extraction (SX) approaches for processing Round Top ore, comparing their technical performance, capital requirements, and operational costs. Through continuous pilot campaigns and mass-balance modeling, SX emerged as the superior pathway, showing improved recovery, purity, and economics. The presentation covers the experimental methodology and flowsheet evolution from hybrid CIX/SX to full SX implementation, and how technology selection aligns with both economics and environmental goals for the US critical minerals supply chain.

Growing demand for permanent magnets, coupled with supply side constraints and mineral sovereignty objectives, is driving investment in regional NdFeB magnet recycling. Unlike conventional hydrometallurgical operations, long loop recycling facilities must accommodate variable feedstock quality, relatively low processing volumes, and operation in high labour and operating costs jurisdictions. This presentation explores design considerations required to develop robust, sustainable, commercially viable, and investible recycling facilities.

This presentation addresses lining and relining strategies for high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) and pressure oxidation (POX) pressure vessels, including autoclaves and flash vessels. It focuses on modern protection systems such as flexible membrane linings and acid-resistant brick systems designed for aggressive hydrometallurgical environments. Key topics include material selection, thermal and chemical degradation mechanisms, mechanical loading, and design principles for long-term performance. Practical aspects of inspection, maintenance planning, and relining execution are also discussed. Industrial experience and case studies illustrate typical failure modes and optimized repair strategies. The goal is to improve reliability, extend service life, and reduce downtime.

Developing critical minerals projects has become increasingly complex as geopolitical uncertainty, evolving government policies, supply chain localization, and heightened ESG expectations reshape the global landscape. This presentation examines the key challenges influencing project development and delivery, exploring strategies to manage technical, commercial, and regulatory risks while positioning projects to meet the growing demand for secure, sustainable, and responsibly sourced critical minerals.

ESG continues to spark controversy and pushback with changing political landscapes shifting the dial on opinion and policy. The trends, however, are clear that ESG continues to play an important role in securing project finance and derisking projects. An overview of the ESG trends impacting mineral supply chains will be covered, along with strategies which mining companies can implement to ensure sustainable and ESG-friendly operations.