Extraction Of Li from Saltwater

Saltwater naturally contains lithium chloride, which must be extracted in the form of lithium carbonate, then it is re-treated, separated into its ions, and reduced in the same electrolytic process as in extraction from lithium ores. Only three saltwater lakes in the world are currently used for lithium extraction, in Nevada, Chile, and Argentina. 

Saltwater is channeled into shallow ponds and over a period of a year or more, water evaporates out to leave behind various salts.  Lime is used to remove the magnesium salt, so that the remaining solution contains a fairly concentrated amount of lithium chloride.  The solution is then treated with sodium carbonate in order for usable lithium carbonate to precipitate out.