40 years ago the first production of lithium in Chile. It was the mid-80s and a milestone was marked that almost half a century later would be fundamental in the development of a key industry for the energy transition and the fight against climate change.
Lithium is the protagonist of the technological revolution underway and Albemarleat that time Sociedad Chilena del Litio, has been a pioneer in this history.
“We are a company that leads the world in the transformation of essential resources into critical ingredients for mobility, energy, connectivity and health. We seek the best partners to pioneer new ways to move, feed, connect and protect with people and the planet. Our commitment is to contribute to the construction of a more resilient world,” the company highlights.
Likewise, they highlight that, as one of the largest producers of lithium of the world, have been present for more than 40 years in Chile, being a strategic partner of the country in its development.
How you produce lithium is as important as how much, and that’s why the company is committed to better practices of the industry and sustainability in dialogue with the communities, with respect for the environment and generating social value.
Looking at the future
Albemarle is synonymous with the future, “so it is taking concrete steps to move towards the development of the New Era of Lithium evolving in the way of doing things, in the search for new water sourcesin collaboration with others to make viable access to seawater desalinated to the basin Atacama Salt Flatsand in the research and application of new forms of lithium production with direct extraction technologies“, they detail in the mining company.
They add that the company was a pioneer in the development of the lithium industry in Chile, signing an agreement with Corfo that allows the country to obtain significant income. They also highlight their agreement sustainability and mutual benefit with the Council of Atacameños Peoples and the 18 communities it brings together, which marks another milestone in an operation that is projected into the future.
Specifically, the lithium producer has a contract with the State until 2043, which allows it to take a long-term view. Hence, it is advancing in the transition towards technologies of direct extraction.
“We have the responsibility to demonstrate that these new technologies benefit the Atacama salt flat. This project includes providing us with seawater desalinated water and connect to the national electrical grid to use clean energy and carry out reincorporation tests,” the company states.
In Albemarle they work on different projects to advance towards sustainable lithium production.
Great presence at Exponor
As is traditional, Albemarle will be present in Exponor 2024, one of the most important mining fairs in the world that takes place in Antofagasta every two years, this time from June 3 to 6. There he will seek to bring the world of lithium to the entire visiting public, showing how the company is leading the transition towards direct lithium extractionin an educational and close way.
During the event, it will offer a series of activities, including a technical visit to the La Negra Chemical Conversion Plant, to be held on Wednesday, June 5; and a stunt show on an electric motorcycle, led by Jordi Muñoz, Latin American trial motorcycle champion.
In addition, it will make possible the exhibition of electric micromobility and, through the use of augmented reality glasses, will show how it is produced. lithium in it Atacama salt flat. It will also exhibit explanatory models of the direct extraction of lithium, it will have 360 cameras to take photographs, and the Albemarle will be available to answer questions and explain everything related to the company.
Article published in InduAmbiente nº 187 (March-April 2024), pages 50 to 51.
