Froth Flotation of Lepidolite—A Review

As one of the important lithium resource sources, lepidolite has become a new energy strategic resource research hot spot. The efficient flotation of lepidolite directly affects the recovery and economic value of lithium resources. This paper systematically reviews the flotation research progress of lepidolite, focusing on the influence of the type of capture agent and process parameters (pH, activator, and depressant) on flotation. In view of the separation problems caused by the similarity of the surface properties of lepidolite and its associated gangue minerals (albite, feldspar, and quartz), the strategies for regulating the crystal structure of the minerals and their surface properties are analyzed. In addition, the lepidolite flotation process and its challenges are summarized, including poor selectivity of chemicals, fine mineral embedded size, easy to form sludge, and insufficient environmental friendliness, etc. The future development direction of lepidolite flotation technology is also prospected, which provides theoretical support and reference for the efficient recovery of lepidolite.