Igneous pegmatite lithium deposit: Formation processes, mineralogy, and implications for sustainable Lithium extraction

The increasing demand for lithium-ion battery-powered electronics and electric vehicles has underscored lithium as an essential resource. Pegmatites, despite being smaller and possessing less estimated resources than brine deposits, hyaccount for more than fifty percent of the global lithium supply. This paper reviews the formation, mineralogy, and economic significance of lithium-bearing igneous pegmatites, explaining the role of fractional crystallization in the production of LCT pegmatites and highlighting the essential minerals spodumene, lepidolite, and petalite that enhance their worth. It also analyzes how geological and textural characteristics affect mining decisions and delineates the primary processing stages, from crushing and grinding to flotation and spodumene conversion. Environmental concerns, such as excessive water consumption and tailings hazards, are evaluated. The study underscores that pegmatites are significant lithium sources but necessitate meticulously regulated, environmentally sustainable extraction practices.