Revolutionizing Lithium Extraction for Electric Vehicles
On July 3, 2024, French mining group Eramet and China’s Tsingshan celebrated the opening of a cutting-edge lithium production plant in Argentina. Located in the northwestern province of Salta, this innovative facility aims to support the rapidly expanding electric car industry with an investment of $870 million.
A Sustainable Approach to Lithium Production
Unlike traditional mining operations and the environmentally harmful salt flats typical in South America’s lithium triangle (Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile), the new plant employs a revolutionary “direct extraction” method. This approach underscores Eramet’s commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly practices in lithium production.
Meeting Global Lithium Demand
The plant is set to produce up to 24,000 tons of battery-grade lithium carbonate annually at full capacity, sufficient to power 600,000 electric vehicle batteries, according to Eramet CEO Christel Bories. Initially delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was revived in 2021 and is anticipated to fulfill 15 percent of Europe’s lithium needs. Production is scheduled to commence in November, creating 350 new jobs. Argentina, currently the fourth-largest producer of lithium, stands to bolster its position in the global market following Australia, Chile, and China.
