TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF THE PEGMATITE LITHIUM ORE AT THE CBL MINE, ARAÇUAÍ – MG

Abstract

Lithium is a considerably light metal relative to other metals. Due to its high specific heat, it has several applications related to heat transfer, while its remarkable electrochemical potential and high energy density make it widely used in batteries. Due to its high reactivity, it is not found in nature in its elemental form, occurring mainly in lithium brines and pegmatites. In Brazil, the presence of lithium is observed in pegmatite deposits, with important mineralized bodies located in the Jequitinhonha Valley, in the state of Minas Gerais. This work aims to carry out a survey of information through chemical, mineralogical and granulometric analysis of the litiniferous pegmatite from the Companhia Brasileira de Lithium (CBL), located in the municipality of Itinga/MG, comparing with information available in the literature. The results showed that the main mineralogy consists mainly of spodumene and quartz, also presenting fractions of apatite and pyrite, among other minerals. Following the growth in demand in the national and international market for lithium minerals, especially for use in technological systems, such as batteries, it is increasingly necessary to understand the natural disposition of exploitable ores for better use in mining.