Methods for extracting lithium from spodumene

A method for extracting lithium metal ions from spodumene, the method comprising:

• (a) heating alpha spodumene to a temperature of approximately 1100° C. to convert alpha spodumene to beta spodumene;
• (b) preparing a suspension of beta spodumene in a eutectic;
• (c) heating the eutectic spodumene suspension to an elevated operation temperature;
• (d) electroplating the heated eutectic spodumene suspension to produce a lithiated transition metal oxide;
• and
• (e) isolating lithium metal from the oxide.

A method for extracting lithium metal ions from spodumene, the method comprising:

• (a) heating alpha spodumene to a temperature of approximately 1100° C. to convert alpha spodumene to beta spodumene;
• (b) roasting said beta spodumene with sulfuric acid;
• (c) preparing a suspension of roasted beta spodumene in a KOH molten salt or eutectic solution;
• (d) heating the eutectic spodumene suspension to an elevated operation temperature;
• (e) electroplating the heated eutectic spodumene suspension to produce a lithiated transition metal oxide;
• and
• (f) isolating lithium metal ions from the oxide.

A method for extracting lithium metal ions from a lithium containing ore or lithium salt, the method comprising:

• (a) preparing a suspension of lithium containing ore or lithium salts and a second metal ore in H2SO4;
• (b) roasting said suspension with sulfuric acid;
• (c) preparing a suspension of roasted suspension in a hydroxide salt;
• (d) heating the suspension to a temperature that exceeds the melting point of the hydroxide salt to produce a molten salt suspension of ore or lithium salt;
• (e) electroplating the molten salt suspension to produce a lithiated transition metal oxide;
• and
• (f) isolating lithium metal ions from the oxide.