Lithium and its derivatives are extracted from the brines of the Salar de Atacama. We know that salt flats are fragile ecosystems and that is why we act in such a way as to cause the least possible impact on it. Our operation is based on sustainable management using the highest standards and looking to the future, understanding that it is a sensitive ecosystem. We also have action protocols in place that respect the native flora and fauna and our intervention takes into account a medium and long-term horizon.
The unbeatable environmental conditions of northern Chile, with a stable climate without the presence of rain and high solar radiation, allow the lithium concentration process to be carried out naturally through evaporation, without the need to incorporate chemicals or other agents and only with the use of solar energy.
As a company we have always ensured an environmentally friendly operation, which guarantees the sustainability of the salt flat for many years. In this sense, we have implemented the most advanced tools that exist in the industry for this.
As part of the evaluation of our expansion project, we developed an advanced hydrogeological model to ensure the sustainability and balance of this ecosystem. With the presentation of this hydrogeological model, we set a new standard for the sustainable use of the Salar de Atacama, which is the most current tool in existence, serving as a basis for authorities, communities and other companies with operations in the area.
Use of Fresh Water
Our lithium production process in the Salar de Atacama uses virtually no fresh water. Albemarle has fresh water rights granted for 23.5 l/s, which is equivalent to 0.46% of the rights authorized in the Salar de Atacama basin. Of these, less than half are used.
Lithium is produced from brine, which historically has not had and does not have an alternative use for human consumption or agriculture given its high concentration of salts and minerals. Brine is 10 times saltier than seawater.
This is extracted from the core of the salt flat, whose basin is endorheic, that is, fresh rainwater and nine runoff from the mountains to the lower areas, without there being surface channels from other basins or leaving for others.
