Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones

Ibrahim Isa; Ebenezer Oyedele Ajaka; Albert Ojo Adebayo; Oladuni Oyelola Alabi

doi:doi:10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16

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Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones

Ibrahim Isa^*, Ebenezer Oyedele Ajaka, Albert Ojo Adebayo, Oladuni Oyelola Alabi

Published in International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy (Volume 10, Issue 4)

Received: 15 November 2025 Accepted: 3 December 2025 Published: 29 December 2025

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Abstract

This study investigates the feasibility of pre-concentrating lithium ore from the Udawa deposit using hydrocyclones as a pre-treatment method. The escalating demand for lithium, driven by its pivotal role in energy storage for electric vehicles, mobile devices, and renewable energy systems, makes the efficient extraction of this mineral essential. The Udawa deposit, located in Kaduna State, Nigeria, is rich in lithium-bearing minerals within rare-metal pegmatites. Traditional methods for processing lithium ore, such as flotation and gravity separation, are often energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Hydrocyclones, gravity-based separators, present a promising solution for pre-concentration by efficiently removing gangue minerals and increasing the grade of lithium ore before further processing. The study focused on optimizing the use of hydrocyclones to separate gangue and improve the lithium concentration in the underflow fraction. Results showed that the hydrocyclone effectively upgraded the ore, increasing lithium oxide (Li₂O) content from 3.03% in the feed to 4.2% in the underflow, while minimizing gangue in the overflow. The study also highlighted the potential of integrating hydrocyclone pre-concentration with flotation and magnetic separation to maximize lithium recovery. This approach not only reduces processing costs and energy consumption but also supports Nigeria’s economic diversification goals by promoting local mineral processing. The research recommends further optimization of operational parameters and the exploration of industrial-scale applications to improve the efficiency of lithium extraction and recovery from the Udawa pegmatite deposit.

Published in	International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy (Volume 10, Issue 4)
DOI	10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16
Page(s)	160-164
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Lithium Recovery, Lithium Concentrate, Udawa Pegmatite, Hydrocyclones, Pre-concentration, Gangue Removal

References

[1]	Gu, M. (2003). The role of mineralogy in the efficiency of mineral processing. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 70(3), 205-218.
[2]	Isa, I., Ajaka, E. O., Adebayo, A. O., & Alabi, O. O. (2024). Beneficiation of lithium from spodumene-rich pegmatite: A review. International Journal of Advances in Engineering and Management (IJAEM), 6(12), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.35629/5252-06121926
[3]	Kehide, R. A., Ibrahim, G., Danbatta, U., Ogunleye, P., & Klotzli, U. (2021). Field occurrence, petrography, and structural characteristics of the basement rocks in the northern part of Kushaka and Birnin Gwari schist belts, northwestern Nigeria. Journal of Natural Sciences Research, Vol. 12, No. 12. https://www.iiste.org
[4]	Khoshdel, M., Singh, P., & Nikoloski, A. (2019). Pre-concentration techniques for lithium-bearing ores using hydrocyclones. International Journal of Mineral Processing, 141, 45-55.
[5]	Kundu, P., Pradhan, N., & Rath, S. (2022). Environmental and energy costs of conventional spodumene processing. Journal of Sustainable Mining, 11(2), 175-189.
[6]	Kundu, P., Rath, S., Das, S., Parhi, P. K., & Angadi, S. (2022). Recovery of lithium from spodumene-bearing pegmatites: A comprehensive review on geological reserves, beneficiation, and extraction. Powder Technology, Vol. 415, Article 118142. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.powtec.2022.118142
[7]	Moon, J., & Fuerstenau, D. W. (2003). Surface crystal chemistry in selective flotation of spodumene from other aluminosilicates. International Journal of Mineral Processing, Vol. 72 No. (1–4), pp. 11–24.
[8]	Olade, O. (2024). Lithium geo-resources in Pan-African pegmatites of Nigeria: An evaluation of their geological and geochemical characteristics and implications for mineral exploration. Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/gjpas/article/view/290482
[9]	Prasad, B. (2007). Hydrocyclones in mineral processing. In Proceedings of the International Mineral Processing Congress, 23(4), 100-115.
[10]	Wills, B. A. (2016). Mineral processing technology: An introduction to the practical aspects of ore treatment and mineral recovery. 8th ed. Elsevier.

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APA Style

Isa, I., Ajaka, E. O., Adebayo, A. O., Alabi, O. O. (2025). Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones. International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, 10(4), 160-164. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16

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ACS Style

Isa, I.; Ajaka, E. O.; Adebayo, A. O.; Alabi, O. O. Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones. Int. J. Miner. Process. Extr. Metall. 2025, 10(4), 160-164. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16

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AMA Style

Isa I, Ajaka EO, Adebayo AO, Alabi OO. Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones. Int J Miner Process Extr Metall. 2025;10(4):160-164. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16,
  author = {Ibrahim Isa and Ebenezer Oyedele Ajaka and Albert Ojo Adebayo and Oladuni Oyelola Alabi},
  title = {Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones},
  journal = {International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy},
  volume = {10},
  number = {4},
  pages = {160-164},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmpem.20251004.16},
  abstract = {This study investigates the feasibility of pre-concentrating lithium ore from the Udawa deposit using hydrocyclones as a pre-treatment method. The escalating demand for lithium, driven by its pivotal role in energy storage for electric vehicles, mobile devices, and renewable energy systems, makes the efficient extraction of this mineral essential. The Udawa deposit, located in Kaduna State, Nigeria, is rich in lithium-bearing minerals within rare-metal pegmatites. Traditional methods for processing lithium ore, such as flotation and gravity separation, are often energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Hydrocyclones, gravity-based separators, present a promising solution for pre-concentration by efficiently removing gangue minerals and increasing the grade of lithium ore before further processing. The study focused on optimizing the use of hydrocyclones to separate gangue and improve the lithium concentration in the underflow fraction. Results showed that the hydrocyclone effectively upgraded the ore, increasing lithium oxide (Li2O) content from 3.03% in the feed to 4.2% in the underflow, while minimizing gangue in the overflow. The study also highlighted the potential of integrating hydrocyclone pre-concentration with flotation and magnetic separation to maximize lithium recovery. This approach not only reduces processing costs and energy consumption but also supports Nigeria’s economic diversification goals by promoting local mineral processing. The research recommends further optimization of operational parameters and the exploration of industrial-scale applications to improve the efficiency of lithium extraction and recovery from the Udawa pegmatite deposit.},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones
AU  - Ibrahim Isa
AU  - Ebenezer Oyedele Ajaka
AU  - Albert Ojo Adebayo
AU  - Oladuni Oyelola Alabi
Y1  - 2025/12/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16
T2  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
JF  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
JO  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
SP  - 160
EP  - 164
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1859
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16
AB  - This study investigates the feasibility of pre-concentrating lithium ore from the Udawa deposit using hydrocyclones as a pre-treatment method. The escalating demand for lithium, driven by its pivotal role in energy storage for electric vehicles, mobile devices, and renewable energy systems, makes the efficient extraction of this mineral essential. The Udawa deposit, located in Kaduna State, Nigeria, is rich in lithium-bearing minerals within rare-metal pegmatites. Traditional methods for processing lithium ore, such as flotation and gravity separation, are often energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Hydrocyclones, gravity-based separators, present a promising solution for pre-concentration by efficiently removing gangue minerals and increasing the grade of lithium ore before further processing. The study focused on optimizing the use of hydrocyclones to separate gangue and improve the lithium concentration in the underflow fraction. Results showed that the hydrocyclone effectively upgraded the ore, increasing lithium oxide (Li2O) content from 3.03% in the feed to 4.2% in the underflow, while minimizing gangue in the overflow. The study also highlighted the potential of integrating hydrocyclone pre-concentration with flotation and magnetic separation to maximize lithium recovery. This approach not only reduces processing costs and energy consumption but also supports Nigeria’s economic diversification goals by promoting local mineral processing. The research recommends further optimization of operational parameters and the exploration of industrial-scale applications to improve the efficiency of lithium extraction and recovery from the Udawa pegmatite deposit.
VL  - 10
IS  - 4
ER  -

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Author Information

Ibrahim Isa

Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

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Ebenezer Oyedele Ajaka

Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Albert Ojo Adebayo

Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria
Oladuni Oyelola Alabi

Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engg, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria

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APA Style

Isa, I., Ajaka, E. O., Adebayo, A. O., Alabi, O. O. (2025). Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones. International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy, 10(4), 160-164. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16

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ACS Style

Isa, I.; Ajaka, E. O.; Adebayo, A. O.; Alabi, O. O. Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones. Int. J. Miner. Process. Extr. Metall. 2025, 10(4), 160-164. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16

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AMA Style

Isa I, Ajaka EO, Adebayo AO, Alabi OO. Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones. Int J Miner Process Extr Metall. 2025;10(4):160-164. doi: 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16

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@article{10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16,
  author = {Ibrahim Isa and Ebenezer Oyedele Ajaka and Albert Ojo Adebayo and Oladuni Oyelola Alabi},
  title = {Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones},
  journal = {International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy},
  volume = {10},
  number = {4},
  pages = {160-164},
  doi = {10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.ijmpem.20251004.16},
  abstract = {This study investigates the feasibility of pre-concentrating lithium ore from the Udawa deposit using hydrocyclones as a pre-treatment method. The escalating demand for lithium, driven by its pivotal role in energy storage for electric vehicles, mobile devices, and renewable energy systems, makes the efficient extraction of this mineral essential. The Udawa deposit, located in Kaduna State, Nigeria, is rich in lithium-bearing minerals within rare-metal pegmatites. Traditional methods for processing lithium ore, such as flotation and gravity separation, are often energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Hydrocyclones, gravity-based separators, present a promising solution for pre-concentration by efficiently removing gangue minerals and increasing the grade of lithium ore before further processing. The study focused on optimizing the use of hydrocyclones to separate gangue and improve the lithium concentration in the underflow fraction. Results showed that the hydrocyclone effectively upgraded the ore, increasing lithium oxide (Li2O) content from 3.03% in the feed to 4.2% in the underflow, while minimizing gangue in the overflow. The study also highlighted the potential of integrating hydrocyclone pre-concentration with flotation and magnetic separation to maximize lithium recovery. This approach not only reduces processing costs and energy consumption but also supports Nigeria’s economic diversification goals by promoting local mineral processing. The research recommends further optimization of operational parameters and the exploration of industrial-scale applications to improve the efficiency of lithium extraction and recovery from the Udawa pegmatite deposit.},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Feasibility Study on Pre-concentration of Lithium Ore from Udawa Deposit Using Hydrocyclones
AU  - Ibrahim Isa
AU  - Ebenezer Oyedele Ajaka
AU  - Albert Ojo Adebayo
AU  - Oladuni Oyelola Alabi
Y1  - 2025/12/29
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16
DO  - 10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16
T2  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
JF  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
JO  - International Journal of Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy
SP  - 160
EP  - 164
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-1859
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ijmpem.20251004.16
AB  - This study investigates the feasibility of pre-concentrating lithium ore from the Udawa deposit using hydrocyclones as a pre-treatment method. The escalating demand for lithium, driven by its pivotal role in energy storage for electric vehicles, mobile devices, and renewable energy systems, makes the efficient extraction of this mineral essential. The Udawa deposit, located in Kaduna State, Nigeria, is rich in lithium-bearing minerals within rare-metal pegmatites. Traditional methods for processing lithium ore, such as flotation and gravity separation, are often energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Hydrocyclones, gravity-based separators, present a promising solution for pre-concentration by efficiently removing gangue minerals and increasing the grade of lithium ore before further processing. The study focused on optimizing the use of hydrocyclones to separate gangue and improve the lithium concentration in the underflow fraction. Results showed that the hydrocyclone effectively upgraded the ore, increasing lithium oxide (Li2O) content from 3.03% in the feed to 4.2% in the underflow, while minimizing gangue in the overflow. The study also highlighted the potential of integrating hydrocyclone pre-concentration with flotation and magnetic separation to maximize lithium recovery. This approach not only reduces processing costs and energy consumption but also supports Nigeria’s economic diversification goals by promoting local mineral processing. The research recommends further optimization of operational parameters and the exploration of industrial-scale applications to improve the efficiency of lithium extraction and recovery from the Udawa pegmatite deposit.
VL  - 10
IS  - 4
ER  -

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