Program: Dr. Ihor Kunasz will provide a history and update on the search for and development of Lithium deposits.
Sponsor: Boart Longyear
Abstract:The second half of the twentieth century saw a dramatic shift in the production of lithium chemicals from traditional pegmatite sources to brines. Today, the bulk of lithium carbonate (and hydroxide), which serves as the raw material for various downstream lithium chemicals, including lithium metal for the lithium batteries, is produced from the brines of the Salar de Atacama, Chile, the Salar del Hombre Muerto, Argentina and Clayton Valley Nevada, U.S.A. A new producer has started production in Argentina. There is minor production in Tibet and the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Australian spodumene concentrates are converted to lithium carbonate in the PRC.
The resurgence in the potential development of electric cars has resulted in an exponential increase in exploration of new lithium brine deposits and the reassessment of some pegmatite deposits. Realistic projections for electric cars production are still questionable. The potentially large electric car market scenario has raised questions on the availability of sufficient lithium resources. However, since the original 1976 report on global lithium resources by the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering, know lithium resources have almost quadrupled . Based on the best predictions, the lithium supply is more than adequate to meet the demand for electric cars well into the 21stcentury.
Include for EACH Person (badge will be printed as provided):
$31 SME Tucson members who reserve by deadline.
$39 non-members who reserve by deadline.
Add $3 to above ($34/$42) for late RSVPs if space allows.
Free for current UA mining students who are UA SME members.
Payable at the door by cash, credit card, or check payable to SME Tucson.
Cost does not include bar drinks. Cash bar is available.