MATERIALS HANDLING
PROTECTION POLICY
Alexander Ruiz details how sophisticated coatings solutions can improve a variety of materials handling applications in the lithium mining sector
Evaporation pool used during lithium mining A
s the global demand for lithium continues to surge, driven by the rise of electric vehicles
and renewable energy technologies, the maintenance challenges faced by lithium mining operations have become increasingly critical. Belzona, a leader in industrial protective coatings, is addressing these challenges head-on with its innovative polymeric solutions. Designed to combat corrosion, abrasion, and chemical damage, the firm’s coatings are playing a pivotal role in extending the life of critical mining equipment, supporting the industry’s efforts to meet growing demands while promoting sustainability.
POLYMERIC SOLUTIONS Batteries are a highly sought-after product due to the ever-growing need for green electric appliances and devices. Phones, solar panels, and electric vehicles (EVs) all need batteries to operate, and this has led to an increase in the need for materials used to manufacture batteries. Lithium is one material whose need has increased tenfold. Some of the already large lithium mines in South America, Asia, and Australia have had to expand to meet the high demands of energy and tech companies.
Lithium-ion batteries play an
important role in reducing climate change. EVs reduce the need for petrol and diesel fuel. In addition, energy companies use lithium-ion batteries to store electricity generated from wind and solar farms to mitigate the use of energy generated from coal and natural gas. However, lithium mining does have its drawbacks. It is responsible for over 1.4 million US tons (1.3 million metric tons) of carbon annually. For every one US ton (0.9 metric ton) of mined lithium, 16.5 US tons (15 metric tons) of CO2
are released into the air.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT Additionally, the lithium mining process is very intense for the surrounding environment. Part of the process involves extracting lithium from saltwater reserves. It risks polluting the local water sources, threatening humans and local animal and plant biodiversity. The batteries themselves can also be harmful to the environment. They can leech damaging chemicals and other byproducts into the environment when they are discarded. It can cause fires, water pollution, air pollution, and health problems. Despite the negatives, the current process is the most
cost-effective way to obtain lithium; however, other materials are being researched to manufacture greener batteries (
earth.org).
HOW IS LITHIUM MINED? The current process involves drilling underground to access mineral-rich brine found under salt flats. Then, the brine is pumped into large evaporation pools on the earth’s surface. The sun slowly evaporates the brine pools over months or years leaving behind minerals like potassium, sodium, and lithium. The lithium is then extracted in different ways but usually involves a chemical process by which reagents are incorporated to form a saleable compound of lithium at a processing facility that can be transported to customers. There are other less common
lithium mining processes, such as extracting directly from mineral ore. During this process, the mineral is extracted, heated, and pulverised. Then, it is combined with reagents to create a slurry that is heated, filtered, and concentrated via evaporation to produce a saleable lithium form.
SOLVING CORROSION Corrosion is a common maintenance problem found in lithium mines due to the presence of brine, a water-based
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