STEINERT Technology Optimizes Brazilian Lithium Valley Operations

Companhia Brasileira de Lítio (CBL) has implemented STEINERT's Sensor-Based Sorting technology to address ore dilution challenges at its spodumene operations in Brazil's Jequitinhonha Valley. The industrial installation operates at 100 tons per hour capacity, targeting early removal of schist material before Dense Media Separation processing. CBL describes itself as a pioneer in underground lithium mining with over 35 years of experience, operating from mining operations in Araçuaí to chemical conversion facilities in Divisa Alegre.

The STEINERT KSS | XT CLI unit features X-ray Transmission sensors combined with high-resolution color cameras and 3D laser scanners for material identification. According to technical specifications, the system processes particle sizes from 19mm to 100mm, representing approximately 70% of run-of-mine material. The fully dry operation eliminates water usage requirements while achieving what CBL reports as over 90% lithium metallurgical recovery rates. Performance data indicates the reject stream averages only 0.3% Li₂O content.

"The CBL deposit is characterized by a pegmatite with large crystals, which allows some minerals to be liberated right after primary crushing. This enabled pre-concentration at this stage, reducing the volume processed in downstream stages and leading to lower operational costs and reduced generation of fine tailings," said Dr. Priscila Esteves, Head of the Technical Department at STEINERT.

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