The mining company Codelco, known as the copper giant, has announced that it plans to become a major player in the lithium industry. However, it has provided cautious guidance on how long it will take to implement a cleaner, faster method of extracting this metal.
Codelco indicates that the direct extraction of lithium could take nine more years
After signing contracts to acquire a majority stake in SQM’s operations in the Atacama salt flat, Codelco has indicated that direct lithium extraction (DLE) will likely not be implemented there for another nine years. Furthermore, it would only be used as a complement to the current evaporation method.
“I imagine that around 2033 we will have direct extraction, but not in its entirety,” President Maximo Pacheco said at a press conference in Santiago.
DLE development delayed, dampening hopes for rapid deployment
These statements will put a stop to the rapid deployment of technologies that offer cheaper, faster and more eco-friendly ways to extract lithium in South America, which has around half of the world’s reserves. The Chilean government is in favor of the implementation of the DLE, with the aim of alleviating the environmental concerns of local communities and investors due to the large amount of water that is lost in the current evaporation process that can last more than a year. anus.
Pacheco mentioned that the DLE tests carried out by SQM are yielding promising results. However, several steps will need to be taken, from conceptual engineering development to environmental approvals and commercial implementation, before this method can be fully utilized.
«I imagine that around 2033 we will have direct extraction, but not in its entirety»
These statements will put a stop to the rapid deployment of technologies that offer cheaper, faster and more eco-friendly ways to extract lithium in South America
The Chilean government is in favor of the implementation of the DLE, with the aim of alleviating environmental concerns
Pacheco mentioned that the DLE tests carried out by SQM are yielding promising results.
Several steps will need to be followed before this method can be fully used.
