Pumping Up the Green:
​​​​​​​KSB Mining’s Innovative Approach to Mineral Extraction

KSB offers comprehensive services to help relieve the pressure and reduce the life cycle cost of your most challenging pump problems.

In the pursuit of a net-zero future, the global demand for green and rare earth minerals has soared. Electric vehicles (EVs) and battery-powered machinery stand as the vanguards of this movement towards sustainability, propelling industries to seek out cleaner, more environmentally conscious sources of essential minerals. 

At the forefront of this revolution lies the lithium industry, a cornerstone of the green energy transition. Two primary methods of lithium extraction—brine and spodumene—have emerged as key players in meeting the escalating demand for this critical mineral.

Lithium brine deposits, found in select regions worldwide, undergo a meticulous extraction process involving evaporation in sequence ponds, culminating in chemical processing to yield lithium carbonate. Conversely, spodumene, a lithium-rich mineral, requires traditional mining techniques, including excavation and crushing, followed by roasting and chemical treatment to extract lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide. 

While both methods yield lithium, spodumene boasts higher lithium concentrations, enabling more efficient production of lithium derivatives. This efficiency is pivotal as the world races towards achieving ambitious net-zero targets.

The urgency to combat climate change has propelled the demand for green minerals such as lithium, manganese, cobalt, nickel, and graphite. According to the International Energy Agency, clean energy technologies are poised to drive an exponential increase in mineral demands over the next two decades, with lithium at the forefront. 

By 2040, EVs and battery storage are projected to surpass consumer electronics as the primary consumers of lithium, underscoring the pivotal role of this mineral in the transition to sustainable energy solutions.

The extraction of lithium predominantly occurs in the Lithium Triangle, encompassing Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia, where water scarcity presents a significant challenge. As attention shifts towards reducing environmental footprints, mining companies face the imperative to enhance sustainability without compromising productivity.

In response to these challenges, KSB emerges as a pivotal partner in advancing sustainable mining practices. With a global network spanning 18 countries, KSB offers a suite of slurry and non-slurry pumps tailored for both brine and spodumene processing applications. 

For spodumene extraction, KSB's pumps, including the GIW^® LCC-M and GIW^® MDX, demonstrate unparalleled efficiency in handling abrasive slurries. Similarly, for brine processing, KSB's range of pumps, such as the GIW^® LCC and GIW^® ZW, ensure optimal performance while minimising energy consumption.

Recent installations of KSB pumps in lithium production sites in Chile and Argentina underscore the company's commitment to driving sustainability in mineral extraction. In Australia, KSB pumps are pivotal in converting spodumene to lithium hydroxide, further cementing the company's role in the global lithium supply chain. 

As the world embraces the transition to clean energy, the demand for green minerals continues to escalate. Through collaboration, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to sustainability, KSB is not just a participant but a catalyst in the global transition towards a regenerative economy. As we navigate this new terrain, KSB will continue to redefine the boundaries of eco-conscious mineral extraction.