Mastering the entire lithium value chain

The global push for electrification and a greener future has put lithium in the spotlight. As a key component in batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage, the demand for high-quality lithium is rapidly increasing. This surge presents both opportunities and challenges across the entire production value chain.

Where our lithium comes from

To meet global demand, all processes and sources of lithium must be considered, from salar brines to hard rock mining – and more recently technological innovations such as Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), often linked to geothermal plants. While we recognize that valves have a limited role to play in the initial evaporation processes related to brines, we offer a full portfolio of valve technologies that offer reliable and efficient service for all lithium applications, especially in spodumene as well as in DLE processes.

From the initial mining or extraction to the concentration and final chemical refining, the processes involved are complex and demanding. At Valmet, we have a deep understanding of these challenges and offer a comprehensive portfolio of valve technologies to support reliable, efficient, and sustainable lithium production every step of the way. In this blog we will focus mostly on our role in the hard rock mining of lithium.

From the mine to the concentrator

The journey of lithium often begins at the mine, where the ore is extracted and then processed in a concentrator. This initial stage involves handling abrasive and erosive slurries, which can be tough on equipment. Our Flowrox™ heavy-duty slurry valves and pumps are designed to thrive in these demanding conditions, offering exceptional reliability and long-lasting performance.

In these initial phases of the value chain the ability to resist mechanical wear is at its greatest. The carefully specified elastomer sleeves used in both the pinch valves and slurry knife gate valves offer superior performance compared to metal or ceramic surfaces. The modular design of our products also allows for easier maintenance and a smaller inventory of spare parts, which in turn helps to lower the total cost of ownership (TCO) for our customers.

The challenges of chemical refining

Precise flow control where it matters most – the Neles™ GU globe valve delivers reliability for critical applications.

Once the lithium concentrate is produced, it moves to the refining stage. This is where the process becomes even more complex, involving a range of chemical processes to produce high-purity lithium compounds. Here, producers face challenges such as high temperatures, pressures, and corrosive media. Our extensive portfolio of valve solutions is designed to handle these demanding applications as well. Take for example our Neles™ series X modular ball valves equipped with our Q-trim™ anti-cavitation and noise attenuation technology.

Our Neles™ and Jamesbury™ metal-seated and soft-seated valves are well-suited for a variety of applications in the refinery, from handling corrosive chemicals to controlling the flow of high-temperature fluids. We offer a range of specialized materials and coatings to ensure the longevity and reliability of our valves in even the most severe process environments. Our portfolio also includes segment and butterfly valves which are perfectly suited for utility service within the process.

"Our offering is unique in that it provides full coverage across the value chain – regardless of the demands set by the process, application, environment, or flow media."

Sustainability and digitalization

As the lithium industry continues to grow, sustainability and digitalization are becoming increasingly important themes. At Valmet, we are committed to delivering solutions that combine high process performance with improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Our Neles™ NDX™ valve controller, for example, is designed for energy-efficient operation, reducing air consumption by up to 90%, which in turn lowers electricity use and supports a reduced carbon footprint.

In addition, Valmet’s pump portfolio is engineered for high hydraulic efficiency, enabling lower energy consumption through optimized design and operating characteristics. Beyond individual components, real sustainability gains are achieved through effective process control. By selecting the right valves for the right applications and ensuring they operate at optimal performance, processes can reach production targets using the same – or even less – energy input. Supported by Valmet’s lifecycle services and digital tools, customers can predict and prevent failures, optimize maintenance activities, and maximize uptime, improving both operational reliability and overall sustainability.

The importance of a holistic approach

What truly sets us apart is our ability to provide solutions for the entire lithium value chain. We understand that the challenges faced in the concentrator are different from those in the refinery, and we have the expertise and the product portfolio to address them all. This holistic approach allows us to work closely with our customers to optimize their processes, improve efficiency, and ensure the highest levels of safety and reliability.

A long history of producing leading flow control technologies for all types of flow media, industrial processes and technical requirements means that for the production of lithium, weather it be through spodumene mining or DLE, we are able to provide pumps, valves and valve automation solutions that secure and enhance the performance of the process – and ultimately its output.