Metso has unveiled a next-generation lithium carbonate production process aimed at sharpening its role in the fast-growing critical minerals sector powering the global energy transition.

The upgraded technology is a proven single-pass system designed to convert spodumene concentrate directly into battery-grade lithium carbonate with high yield, lower operating costs, and improved sustainability.

By simplifying processing and cutting unnecessary steps, the company is positioning the solution as a faster, more efficient route to scale lithium output as demand accelerates worldwide.

Global lithium consumption is expected to climb sharply in the coming years, driven by electric vehicle adoption, renewable energy expansion, and growing battery storage deployment. Demand is also shifting toward lithium carbonate feedstock, particularly for lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery production—an area where scalable, cost-efficient refining is becoming increasingly critical.

“We are pleased to introduce our enhanced lithium carbonate process to support customers and partners in lithium minerals related applications. By combining our proven thermal and hydrometallurgical technologies with our strong end-to-end flowsheet capabilities and local service support to maximize production, we can deliver high availability lithium processing plants while enabling efficient, safe, and reliable operations.

"This launch builds on our strong track record in hydrometallurgical technologies and further strengthens Metso’s ability to support customers across the lithium value chain,” says Marika Tiihonen, Technology Manager for Lithium at Metso.

At the core of the process is a single-pass refining route that eliminates complexity and avoids by-products such as sodium sulfate. The system uses soda pressure leaching to selectively extract lithium while leaving behind less soluble impurities.

A refined carbonation–decarbonation stage produces battery-grade lithium carbonate in one step, while neutralized residues are designed for easier disposal or reuse.

Metso says the streamlined flowsheet reduces capital costs, improves plant stability, and accelerates ramp-up times—key advantages as new lithium capacity comes under pressure to scale quickly and efficiently.

The company is also advancing circular metallurgy concepts aimed at regenerating chemicals used in alkaline leaching, further pushing toward lower waste and improved resource efficiency.

As the energy transition accelerates, Metso is doubling down on R&D in critical minerals, targeting higher efficiency, lower emissions, and greater regulatory resilience across the lithium value chain.