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Research and
Development
Center

Lithium Extraction

At the R&D Center we validate assumptions underlying mining operations, conducting tests that allow us to optimize production processes with a focus on finding innovative and environmentally friendly solutions, promoting modernization and continuous improvement to achieve maximum efficiency in each project of the company.

Equipped with an analytical laboratory, a benchmark laboratory and a pilot plant. To supply brine for analysis, we have evaporation ponds at scale in the puna.

Located in the Industrial Park of Salta

+ 1800m2
+ 1800m2

The Research and Development Center is divided into three areas

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Analytical

Laboratory

Analytical control of the operating processes in the salt flats and the samples resulting from the tests carried out at the Benchmark Laboratory and the Pilot Plant.

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Pilot

Plant

Perform the processes at industrial scale, studying in detail the chemistry of each process in order to optimize engineering parameters.

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Benchmark

Laboratory

Perform the processes to be carried out at industrial scale, studying emphatically the chemistry of each process.

Stages

Lithium Process

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The process begins in the salt flats by extracting the brine, an aqueous solution rich in mineral salts, including lithium.
Extraction
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Using solar and wind energy, the brine is concentrated in wells until the optimum concentration is reached, removing impurities in the process.
Concentration
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Impurities such as magnesium, calcium, sulfate and boron are removed using chemical reagents and ion exchange resins, leaving the brine ready for precipitation.
Purification
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Lithium carbonate is precipitated by adding sodium carbonate at high temperature (approx. 80°C) to separate it from the solution by filtration.
Precipitation
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Through purification and drying, impurities and moisture residues are removed, ensuring a high purity lithium carbonate (>99.5%) called “battery grade”, which is ready to be packaged for commercialization.
Refining