An environmental-friendly route to recover lepidolite from the Beauvoir granite by flotation

This study presents a novel green flotation process for the efficient recovery of lithium minerals from the Beauvoir granite deposit (Allier, France), leveraging sustainable practices to address the increasing demand for lithium in energy storage and electric vehicle applications. Employing a Design of Experiments, the flotation parameters, namely etheramine and sodium oleate dosages, were optimized. The developed process, conducted at pH 8, achieved a lithium recovery rate of 85%Li 2 O, demonstrating not only high efficiency but also a drastic reduction in acid consumption compared to conventional methods, conducted at pH 2. The performances of this flotation route are also discussed in the frame of investment and operational costs, as well as environmental benefits in comparison to the conventional acidic flotation route. The flotation results conducted on ore samples lay one of the first bricks for the possible up-scaling of this flotation route for lepidolite. Overall, this research highlights the promise of this green flotation strategy not only for enhanced resource recovery but also for supporting the development of more environmentally responsible mining practices. • Flotation of lepidolite at natural pH with addition of sodium-oleate was studied. • Optimization of the separation method using the Design of Experiments methodology. • Investigation of the adsorption of amine and sodium oleate on lepidolite surface. • An eco-friendly recovery route of lepidolite from a major Li deposit was developed.