Lithium Australia NL (ASX:LIT) is a step closer to obtaining granted patents for the recovery of lithium phosphate from lithium-bearing silicates and solutions.
The International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has published two patent applications.
Publication of patent applications is the fourth step in the seven-step process for the granting of these patents.
Processing technologies part of circular solution
LIT’s managing director Adrian Griffin said: “The company has succeeded in developing technologies that improve the sustainability of, and reduce the environmental impacts associated with, the manufacture, use and disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
“Importantly, these technologies can facilitate vertical integration within the battery supply chain, potentially reducing the number of process steps involved and lowering costs for consumers.
“The ability to integrate metal recovery from lithium-ion batteries and regenerate cathode materials represents a major advance for the battery industry as a whole."
Patent details
Patent application PCT/AU2019/050540 details a process for recovering lithium phosphate and lithium sulphate from a lithium-bearing solution such as brine or pregnant process liquor.
Patent protection was sought due to an innovation developed during test-work prior to completion of the SiLeach® processing technology pilot program around September 2018.
This unit process also has direct application to the LieNA® processing technology .
The second patent application PCT/AU2019/050541 is an enhancement of SiLeach® technology, a process for recovering lithium phosphate and lithium sulphate from lithium-bearing silicates following the application of a fluoride-accelerated acid leach.