The mining industry is undergoing a significant transformation with the advent of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies that promise not only to enhance ore recovery but also to prioritize environmental sustainability. ADIONICS has been at the forefront of this innovation and has won Innovation and Environmental awards in the 2024 Mining Technology Excellence Awards for its groundbreaking work.
The Mining Technology Excellence Awards celebrate the greatest achievements and innovations in the mining industry. Powered by GlobalData's business intelligence, the Awards recognize the people and companies that are driving change in the industry.
ADIONICS won the awards for its pioneering Flionex Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology, which sets new benchmarks in mineral recovery efficiency and environmental sustainability.
Improving mineral recovery with ADIONICS' Flionex® DLE technology
ADIONICS has redefined the standards of mineral recovery in the mining industry with its proprietary Flionex technology. This tailor-made liquid formulation is celebrated for its ultra-high selectivity for lithium ions, achieving an impressive lithium recovery rate of up to 99.8%. Its closed-loop system ensures that no traces are left in depleted or produced brines, marking a significant advancement in mineral recovery.
The extraction equipment utilized by Flionex is based on standard industrial components, which simplifies scalability and maintenance. The technology can concentrate lithium up to 15 times through the process without the need for pre-treatment or pH modification.
The versatility of the Flionex technology is demonstrated by its successful application across a wide range of lithium concentrations, from as low as 50mg/L to as high as 80g/L.
ADIONICS' approach to innovation is also evident in its comprehensive operational capabilities, which include desktop modelization studies, lab pilots, demo plants, industrial demo plants, and readiness for industrialization. The company's extensive experience, with over 3,000 hours of successful pilot tests and analysis of over 200 lithium sources in their laboratory, showcases their deep understanding of the nuances involved in lithium extraction.
Championing environmental sustainability in lithium extraction
ADIONICS' commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its minimal water and energy consumption metrics. The company's DLE technology uses less than 10 cubic meters of freshwater per ton of Lithium Chloride Equivalent (LCE), with energy usage maintained below 700kWhElec/tLCE and 1,500kWhth/tLCE.
The environmental benefits of ADIONICS' technology extend beyond water and energy savings. The process does not require the use of chemical reagents, which are often a source of environmental concern in traditional mining operations. Additionally, the absence of pH modification throughout the process means that the natural chemistry of the environment is less disturbed, further minimizing the ecological footprint.
ADIONICS' technology also addresses the issue of brine disposal, a common environmental challenge in lithium extraction. The Flionex system leaves no traces in depleted brines, which significantly reduces the risk of soil and water contamination. This is a crucial advantage, as the responsible management of brine is essential for the protection of ecosystems in mining areas.
A methodical approach to industrialization
ADIONICS' systematic approach to delivering industrial plants has been another factor in its recognition. The company's proprietary modeling tool, based on ionic interactions theories and extraction isotherms, allows for precise performance predictions and process optimization. From lab-scale tests to pilot plants and basic engineering, this step-by-step process ensures that the technology is reliable and ready for industrialization.
The company's engineering department plays a critical role in the transition from pilot testing to full-scale industrial deployment. ADIONICS provides comprehensive support during all engineering phases, including inspection, commissioning, operator training, and start-up phases. This hands-on approach ensures that the technology is implemented effectively and that the client's personnel are fully equipped to manage the operations.
ADIONICS' commitment to a continuous flow process is a key aspect of their technology. The three-step process includes extraction at ambient temperature using the highly selective organic formulation Flionex, washing at ambient temperature to remove as many impurities as possible, and regeneration at approximately 80°C to release Lithium Chloride from Flionex. The process is efficient as well as scalable, as evidenced by the planned first running plant in 2026, following 1,500 hours of testing in the Atacama in 2023.
ADIONICS has, thus, proven that high efficiency in mineral recovery can be achieved without compromising environmental values.
Company Profile
ADIONICS is at the forefront of lithium extraction advancements, offering a revolutionary approach that meets the needs of today's mining professionals. The company specializes in a closed-loop, liquid-liquid extraction process that efficiently and sustainably recovers lithium salts from various brines, including continental, geothermal, or produced water. What sets its technology apart is the use of our proprietary Flionex system, a highly customized fluid that acts like a key to unlock and extract lithium without the need for traditional reagents. This patented process not only achieves high lithium recovery rates but does so with minimal water usage and environmental impact, marking a new era in resource recovery. The company's commitment to reagent-free, sustainable technology ensures a cleaner, greener approach to lithium mining.
Stéphanie Artige, Marketing & Communication Manager