Process Mineralogy and Li, Rb and Cs Extraction of Lithium Mica Concentrate from Yichun, Jiangxi Province

In order to determine the occurrence state of Li, Rb and Cs in lithium mica concentrate from Yichun in Jiangxi Province. the process mineralogy was studied by multi−element analysis, MLA analysis, SEM observation and LA−ICP−MS analysis. The results show that the grades of Li₂O, Rb₂O and Cs₂O are 3.02%, 1.01% and 0.16% respectively. The minerals mainly consist of lithium mica, muscovite, potassium feldspar, albite and quartz. The Li, Rb and Cs mainly occur in lithium mica with the distribution rates accounting for 99.98%, 96.12% and 97.67%, respectively. Based on this study, the combined process of “chlorination roasting—water leaching—neutralization and impurity removal—preparation of lithium carbonate—extraction—back extraction—preparation of high purity rubidium chloride and cesium” was adopted, the total recoveries of Li, Rb and Cs were 71.24%, 80.61%, 84.33% respectively. At the same time, the by—products of calcium carbonate, potassium and sodium mixed with chlorine salt are obtained. The biggest advantage of this process is that three valuable metals can be recovered.