The rising demand for Lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles and energy storage systems has elevated Lithium to the status of a strategic mineral. Zimbabwe, with its significant reserves of petalite, is well-positioned to contribute to this value chain. This study investigates the hydrometallurgical production of battery-grade Lithium carbonate from Zimbabwean petalite, focusing on both technical feasibility and economic viability. The process involved is Calcination, leaching, and precipitation of Lithium carbonate. A yield of 91.5% and purity exceeding 99.4% were achieved. Economic modeling indicates a production cost of approximately USD 1,100 per ton, significantly below current global market prices of USD 12,000–15,000 per ton. The study confirms that local beneficiation is not only technically feasible but economically advantageous, supporting downstream development and industrial policy initiatives.
Kaponda Tapiwa (Wed,) studied this question.