According to the latest statistics from the United States Geological Survey in 2020, the world has identified 80 million tons of lithium resources, of which 59% are distributed in salt lakes. This article reviews the development status of lithium extraction technology in salt lakes, and summarizes production processes of lithium resources. The adaptability and advantages of various extraction methods are explored with respect to different of magnesium to lithium ratios in salt lakes. It is found that lithium extraction in salt lakes cannot be carried out using a single method and selection of lithium extraction process should be based on different types of salt lakes. The precipitation method in low magnesium to lithium ratio salt lakes has been proven by industrial production while in high magnesium to lithium ratio salt lakes adsorption method is currently the most ideal extraction technology in terms of comprehensive effects, including high adsorption capacity, one-step direct extraction of lithium, high cycle performance and strong stability. Of all these methods, the natural mineral modified adsorption method should be the focus of future industrialization of lithium lake salt extraction.

salt lake lithium resource  /  high magnesium-lithium ratio  /  lithium extraction technology