Top 5 Lithium Ore Processing Plant Suppliers in the UK [2025]

Founded in 2010 and based in Manchester, British LithiumTech Solutions (BLTS) has established itself as a leader in the UK's lithium processing equipment sector. With a mission to "Power the green revolution through innovative ore processing," BLTS focuses on delivering high-capacity, energy-efficient systems tailored to the unique geology of British lithium deposits.

Core Product Lineup: BLTS offers a comprehensive range of equipment, including lithium crude ore extraction equipment , tailing ore extraction equipment , and integrated processing plants. Their flagship system, the LithiPro 5000, combines crushing, grinding, and separation technologies to handle up to 500 tonnes of crude ore per day. What sets BLTS apart is its advanced tailing ore recovery system, which minimizes waste by extracting residual lithium from tailings—boosting overall yield by up to 15% compared to standard systems.

Technology Highlights: BLTS integrates dry process equipment into many of its systems, reducing water consumption by 60%—a critical advantage in water-scarce regions like parts of Scotland. Their ore separation units use high-intensity magnetic separators and air classification to isolate lithium minerals, ensuring purity levels of 99.5% or higher. The company also offers real-time monitoring software that tracks processing metrics, allowing operators to adjust parameters remotely for optimal efficiency.

Client Success Story: In 2024, BLTS partnered with a Scottish mining firm to install a LithiPro 5000 at a new lithium mine in the Highlands. The plant now processes 300 tonnes of crude ore daily, producing battery-grade lithium concentrate that feeds into a nearby gigafactory. The client reported a 20% reduction in energy costs compared to their previous setup, thanks to BLTS's energy-efficient motors and heat recovery systems.

Why Choose BLTS? With a 98% customer satisfaction rating and a 24/7 technical support team, BLTS excels in reliability and service. Their equipment is also designed for easy scalability—meaning as your mine grows, you can add modules to increase capacity without overhauling the entire system. For large-scale operations prioritizing efficiency and waste reduction, BLTS is a top choice.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, EcoMineral Processing UK (EMP) has built its reputation on sustainability and innovation since 2015. As a certified B Corp, EMP ensures every piece of equipment is designed with the planet in mind, without compromising on performance. Their tagline, "Process smarter, not harder," reflects their focus on low-impact, high-output processing.

Core Product Lineup: EMP specializes in lithium ore extraction equipment with a focus on eco-friendly processes. Their best-selling system, the EcoLith X3, is a compact yet powerful plant designed for small to medium-scale mines (processing 50–200 tonnes/day). Key components include a compact granulator with dry separator , which eliminates the need for water in the final separation stage, and a low-energy ball mill that uses nano ceramic ball for ball mill equipment to enhance grinding efficiency by 25%. EMP also offers standalone tailing ore extraction equipment for mines looking to retrofits existing operations with waste-recovery capabilities.

Technology Highlights: EMP's proprietary "GreenGrind" technology uses microcrystalline ceramic balls in their ball mills, reducing friction and energy use by up to 30% compared to traditional steel balls. Their dry separation units employ electrostatic separation and air classification, ensuring minimal dust emissions with integrated air filtration systems. EMP also leads in circular economy solutions—their equipment is built with 85% recycled steel, and they offer a buyback program for old machinery to be refurbished or recycled.

Client Success Story: A family-owned mine in Cornwall approached EMP in 2023 to ｒｅｐｌａｃｅ an outdated wet-process plant. The EcoLith X3 was installed within 3 months, and the mine now processes 120 tonnes of ore daily with zero wastewater discharge. The client noted that energy bills dropped by £4,000/month, and the mine's carbon footprint was reduced by 40%, helping them secure funding from the UK government's Green Mining ｇｒａｎｔ scheme.

Why Choose EMP? If sustainability is your top priority, EMP delivers. Their equipment meets the strictest EU environmental standards, and their team provides comprehensive training on eco-friendly operations. With a 5-year warranty on all major components and flexible financing options, EMP makes green processing accessible to mines of all sizes.

Based in Birmingham, Advanced Ore Systems Ltd (AOS) has been a key player in the UK mining equipment industry since 2005. Known for its engineering excellence and custom solutions, AOS prides itself on "turning complex ore challenges into simple, scalable systems." With a team of geological engineers and process specialists, AOS works closely with clients to design equipment that matches their ore's specific characteristics.

Core Product Lineup: AOS offers a wide range of crude ore extraction equipment and fully integrated processing plants. Their flagship custom solution, the AOS CustomFlow, is tailored to each mine's ore type—whether hard rock, clay, or brine-hosted lithium. Key components include high-pressure crushers, variable-speed ball mills, and modular separation units. AOS also specializes in lithium tailing ore extraction plant systems, which can be integrated with existing infrastructure to recover lithium from waste streams, often paying for themselves within 2–3 years through increased output.

Technology Highlights: AOS's "AdaptiveCrush" system uses AI-driven sensors to adjust crusher settings in real time based on ore hardness, reducing wear and tear on machinery and improving particle size consistency. Their separation plants feature dual-stage processing—first using gravity separation for initial concentration, then magnetic separation for high-purity lithium concentrate. AOS also offers advanced water recycling systems for mines using wet processes, with recovery rates of up to 95%.

Client Success Story: A Welsh mining company with a complex spodumene ore deposit (high in mica and other impurities) struggled with low yields using standard equipment. AOS designed a CustomFlow plant with specialized crushing and separation stages, including a dry process equipment module for mica removal. The result? Yield increased from 55% to 82%, and the mine now produces 150 tonnes of high-grade concentrate daily, supplying major battery manufacturers in the Midlands.

Why Choose AOS? AOS is the go-to for mines with unique ore challenges. Their custom design approach ensures you get equipment that maximizes yield for your specific geology, and their in-house testing lab (one of the few in the UK) can analyze ore samples to recommend optimal processing flows. With a track record of on-time deliveries and post-installation support, AOS takes the stress out of complex projects.

Sustainable Extraction Technologies (SET), founded in 2015 and based in Bristol, is a disruptor in the lithium processing space. With a focus on "Innovation for a circular future," SET combines cutting-edge materials science with modular design to create flexible, low-carbon processing solutions. The company has quickly gained a reputation for pushing the boundaries of what's possible in ore processing efficiency.

Core Product Lineup: SET's star product is the ModuLith series—modular, plug-and-play processing units that can be combined to scale from small pilot plants (10 tonnes/day) to large commercial operations (500+ tonnes/day). Key modules include lithium crude ore extraction equipment , a dry process equipment separation unit, and a tailing ore extraction equipment add-on. SET also offers a unique "Lithium Recovery Pod," a mobile processing unit that can be transported to remote sites for on-site testing or small-scale production.

Technology Highlights: SET's breakthrough comes from its use of nano composite ceramic ball equipment in their grinding mills. These advanced ceramic balls are harder and lighter than steel, reducing energy consumption by 35% and extending mill life by 50%. Their dry separation technology uses triboelectric sorting—where particles are charged and separated by electrostatic attraction—achieving purity levels of 99.7% with minimal energy use. SET also integrates solar-powered auxiliary systems for off-grid mines, further reducing carbon footprints.

Client Success Story: A startup mining firm in Devon needed a low-cost, scalable solution to test a new lithium deposit. SET supplied a ModuLith pilot plant (processing 20 tonnes/day) with a tailing recovery module. Within 6 months, the pilot proved the deposit's viability, and the client scaled up to a 150-tonne/day ModuLith plant. The modular design allowed the expansion to be completed in just 8 weeks, and the client now reports a 30% lower cost per tonne compared to competitors using traditional equipment.

Why Choose SET? For mines focused on innovation and scalability, SET delivers. Their modular systems let you start small and grow as your project expands, avoiding over-investment upfront. With a strong focus on R&D, SET is constantly upgrading its technology—clients benefit from free software updates and discounted hardware upgrades for the first 5 years.

UK Ore Processing Innovations (UKOPI), based in Leeds, has been serving the mining industry since 2008 with a focus on affordability and reliability. With a slogan of "Quality equipment that doesn't break the bank," UKOPI caters to small mines, startups, and international clients looking for cost-effective UK-manufactured solutions.

Core Product Lineup: UKOPI's product range includes budget-friendly lithium ore extraction equipment , such as the entry-level LithiStart 100 (processing 50–100 tonnes/day) and the mid-range LithiPro 300 (150–300 tonnes/day). Key components include jaw crushers, ball mills with standard steel balls (or optional nano ceramic ball upgrades), and gravity separation tables. They also offer standalone hydraulic press machines equipment for compacting concentrate into briquettes for easier transport.

Technology Highlights: While UKOPI doesn't focus on cutting-edge innovation, they excel in simplifying proven technologies for ease of use and maintenance. Their equipment is designed with fewer moving parts, reducing downtime and repair costs. UKOPI's separation units use gravity and magnetic separation—reliable methods that require minimal operator training. They also offer a "Basic Support" package, including on-site installation and a 2-year warranty, at no extra cost.

Client Success Story: A small mining cooperative in Northern Ireland needed an affordable plant to process a low-grade lithium deposit. UKOPI supplied a LithiStart 100 with a tailing recovery add-on, priced 30% lower than comparable systems. The plant has been running continuously for 3 years with minimal downtime, producing 80 tonnes of concentrate monthly. The cooperative noted that UKOPI's responsive technical support team resolved minor issues within 24 hours, ensuring steady production.

Why Choose UKOPI? If you're on a tight budget but need reliable equipment, UKOPI is an excellent choice. Their no-frills approach delivers solid performance without the premium price tag, making lithium processing accessible to smaller players. With a network of local service partners across the UK, maintenance and repairs are quick and affordable.