General Discussion Topics, page-137828

Innovation
Disruptive mechanochemical process to extract 85+% of lithium available in domestic hard-rock ore.

Achievement
The MELLT process so far yields 75% lithium extraction from chemical-grade domestic α-spodumene at a 250 g scale with minimal acid usage and temperatures below 100 °C. Process cost savings are estimated at ~45% per ton of Li₂CO₃ produced.

Significance and Impact

• Elimination of the high-temperature thermal-decrepitation step.
• Avoidance of harsh acid/alkaline solutions with mild alternatives.
• Viable alternative to traditional energy- and waste-intensive methods for Li recovery from hard rock, greatly reducing energy costs.

https://www.ameslab.gov/cmi/research-highlights/mechanochemical-extraction-of-lithium-at-low-temperature-mellt-from-1

By the time we get around to down-stream processing, technology like this may have superseded the technology that exists today.