North American Lithium is planning to re-start its hydromet mining operation in La Corne, Quebec, Canada for the production of lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃). Lithium carbonate is one of the main materials needed to produce lithium ion batteries for electric vehicles, computers and mobile phones.

North American Lithium has turned to Veolia Water Technologies for the installation of the sodium sulphate crystallisation circuit. The primary objective is increased recovery of lithium while producing a sodium sulphate (Na₂SO₄) by-product. In doing so, the project will benefit from recovering two products from what, previously, was a waste stream, thereby reducing the environmental impact and making the project a commercially viable source of valuable lithium carbonate.

Klaus Andersen, CEO of Veolia Water Technologies Americas, commented: "The system design is based on Veolia's vast experience with this form of production coupled with complex mixed salts solubility, energy efficiency, and reliability. This ultimately enabled Veolia to provide the right solution to benefit both North American Lithium and the local environment."

The multistage process includes MVR falling film evaporation, two-stage crystallisation in a HPD draft tube crystalliser and a HPD MVR crystalliser to produce anhydrous sodium sulphate that is dried for sale. This solution allows the client to recover useful resources in an energy efficient way and ensures a complete and well running lithium carbonate production plant.