MIT researchers develop room-temperature lithium extraction process from spodumene (heise.de)

• MIT team develops room-temperature lithium extraction from spodumene.
• Uses ammonium hydrogen difluoride instead of high heat and acids.
• Valuable byproducts (alumina, silica) produced; nearly closed chemical loop.
• Startup Rock Zero to commercialize cheaper, greener process.
• Aims to reduce dependency on Chinese lithium refining.

"MIT researchers have developed a new method to extract lithium from spodumene ore at room temperature using ammonium hydrogen difluoride. The process avoids high heat and acids, producing lithium fluoride and valuable byproducts. The startup Rock Zero aims to commercialize the technology, which is claimed to be cheaper and more environmentally friendly than current methods. The approach could reduce dependence on Chinese lithium processing."