- With an investment of more than $500 million dollars, the La Negra III chemical conversion plant becomes the most modern in Latin America. The new plant integrates for the first time a thermo evaporator designed to significantly reduce the fresh water needed per metric ton with a clear commitment of the company to sustainability.
Antofagasta, Chile.14.06.2022.- Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), one of the world's largest lithium producers and present in Chile for more than 40 years, today inaugurated its third chemical conversion plant, La Negra III, in Antofagasta, as one of the most modern in Latin America. With new and innovative technology, the plant is expected to double lithium production and further reduce the company's industry-leading freshwater consumption in this process, marking a clear commitment to sustainable production.
Albemarle's President and CEO, Kent Masters, stated: "This new plant marks a milestone in Albemarle's commitment to leading our industry, responding to the growing global demand for lithium through innovation and dedication to sustainability. Lithium is key to an energy transition that must be carried out with meticulous attention to dialogue, sustainability and social value. This inauguration also demonstrates the importance of Chile to Albemarle, and our commitment to continue collaborating with the country in this industry."
According to Ignacio Mehech, Vice President of External Affairs and Country Manager of Albemarle Chile, "with this expansion Albemarle is supporting the global energy transition and, at the same time, we are working together with local communities to support the economy, people and environment of the territories in which we operate. 83% of our workers are from the Antofagasta Region, 14% are women and almost 40% of those who work at the Salar plant are of indigenous origin. We take our commitments seriously and back them up with real actions."
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Mining, Marcela Hernando, as well as various government authorities, representatives of indigenous communities, academics, diplomats, international delegations and people from the mining industry, who highlighted the contribution of this new plant to the development of the lithium industry in Chile.
Located 27 kilometers from the city of Antofagasta, Albemarle's La Negra III plant represents an investment of more than 500 million dollars and has R+D laboratories and facilities for the complex chemical processes that eliminate impurities and transform lithium concentrate from the Salar de Atacama into high value-added products. The new plant includes a $100 million thermal evaporator that is designed to significantly reduce the amount of fresh water per metric ton used during the process at La Negra. In this way, it recovers the water from what is commonly called "mother liquor" and then recycles it in the production process of technical grade lithium carbonate and battery. The technology aims to reduce water consumption by up to 30% per metric ton.
The Minister of Mining, Marcela Hernando, pointed out that "this is an important milestone for the region and for the country, as it shows that sustainable investment continues to advance in Chile and that companies such as Albemarle are working hand in hand with the government's objectives towards the development of a lithium industry that generates value in the territory and installed capacities through the contract that the mining company has with Corfo."