Spodumene Processing
Hard rock spodumene (LiAlSi₂O₆) is processed by crushing, DMS and/or flotation to produce concentrate (5-6% Li₂O).
Dense Media Separation
DMS exploits density difference between spodumene (SG 3.2) and gangue (SG 2.65). Heavy media cyclones at 1.8-2.0 SG separate concentrate.
Flotation
Cationic collectors float spodumene at pH 8-10. Multiple cleaning stages achieve >5% Li₂O grade.