Lithium Enrichment by the Carbothermal Reduction of Spodumene Ore and the Preparation of Manganese-Silicon Alloy

Abstract

To increase the low utilization rate of spodumene ore during lithium extraction, spodumene ore was subjected to carbothermic reduction to enrich lithium and prepare a manganese-silicon alloy. The experimental results showed that during thermal reduction, lithium was volatilized and collected in the condensation zone. The Li2O content in the lithium condensate was 41.72%, which was 10.85 times higher than that of the raw material. The effects of varying reduction temperatures and times on the lithium volatilization rate and direct yield of Mn5Si3 alloy were investigated. The best process conditions were 1873 K for 6 h. Under these conditions, the lithium volatilization rate was 97.65%, and the direct yield of Mn5Si3 was 86.47%.