MIT scientists unveil new method to extract lithium from hard rock at room temperature

MIT researchers unveiled a room-temperature process to extract lithium from spodumene hard rock using ammonium fluoride chemistry.

The method dissolves silica first, yields lithium salts and useful co-products, and recycles its solvent for lower waste.

In tests on 17 rock samples, the team said the process could cut production costs by about half.

The technology is being commercialized through startup Rock Zero and could help reduce reliance on China for battery materials.