Environmental Management in Lithium Extraction: Optimization of the Hydrometallurgical Process for Lepidolite with Focus on Eco-Efficiency and Life Cycle Assessment

Objective: Develop and optimize an eco-efficient hydrometallurgical process for lithium extraction from lepidolite, enhancing environmental management in the lithium mining industry. Theoretical Framework: The study is grounded in principles of eco-efficiency, life cycle assessment (LCA), and optimization of chemical processes applied to lithium extraction within the context of organizational environmental management. Method: A fractional factorial design 2^(5-2) was employed for process optimization. Mineralogical characterization was conducted using XRD and ICP-MS. Extraction efficiency, product purity, and environmental parameters were evaluated through LCA. Results and Discussion: Extraction efficiency increased from 91.0 ± 1.5% to 94.5 ± 0.8%, with a product purity of 99.62 ± 0.04%. LCA revealed a carbon footprint of 5.9 ± 0.3 kg CO₂ eq / kg Li₂CO₃ and a water consumption of 38 ± 2 m³/t Li₂CO₃. Implications in relation to conventional extraction methods are discussed. Research Implications: The study provides a framework for implementing more sustainable processes in lithium mining, potentially applicable to the battery industry and natural resource management. Originality/Value: The research innovatively integrates process optimization, LCA, and eco-efficiency principles in lithium extraction, contributing to the sustainable transformation of the lithium mining industry.