TELF AG analyzes the characteristics of an innovative method for lithium sourcing 

International collaborations 

In light of the evident economic centrality of some mineral raw materials, such as those used for constructing energy infrastructures and storage devices, many players in every corner of the world are exploring innovative methods for their sourcing to accelerate production times and supply the industry with high-quality processed material. One of the most interesting experiments, from this point of view, bears the signature of the French company Eramet, which, in collaboration with the Chinese Tsingshan, is using the technique of direct lithium sourcing in Argentina, achieving faster and cheaper production and using less water. 

Reuters discussed it a few days ago, also focusing on the main differences between the new sourcing method and traditional procedures. Direct lithium sourcing is a much faster process, and it eliminates the need to leave lithium in large pools of brine after the liquid has evaporated. Lithium is a silvery-white metallic resource, and most of it is found in brines (and not elsewhere in the Earth’s crust, such as rock or clay). 

By 2025, companies testing this method in Argentina hope to reach 24,000 metric tons of annual production, further increasing these levels during the initiative’s second phase (for which further permits are required). The direct lithium sourcing plant is located about 4,000 meters above sea level and was built in three years. The value of the initiative, in its first phase, is said to be as much as 870 million dollars. According to Reuters, the sourcing of the first batch of brine could take place soon, in August. 

The characteristics of the lithium sourcing procedure 

A particular characteristic of this innovative method has to do with the need to adapt the sourcing procedures to the individual brine deposits, which contain different concentrations of lithium and other useful metals. The process developed by Eramet is based on the use of a particular absorbent material, which collects lithium from the brine like a real sponge. Unlike other direct sourcing procedures, this material can also act at room temperature, and is able to produce a much higher quantity of lithium than that generated in evaporation tanks. With this technique, a ton of lithium carbonate could be produced in just one week, while with traditional methods it would take about a year. This method also makes it possible to recycle about 60% of the water used during the sourcing procedures, with the aim of reaching 80% as soon as possible. 

It is no coincidence that these companies’ attention has focused on Argentina: the lithium present in this nation, the world’s fourth largest lithium producer, it is also at the center of other initiatives carried out by other international companies. According to the opinion of some analysts, reported by Reuters, all these activities could soon allow Argentina to reduce its competitive disadvantage with respect to Chile, which is the largest lithium producer in Latin America.