- The recently inaugurated chemical conversion plant, La Negra III, was awarded within the framework of the AIA 2022 awards, winning first place in the Industrial Development category.
Thursday, August 18, 2022.- Within the framework of the AIA 2022 Awards and in order to highlight the company's contribution to the sustainable growth of the region and the country, Albemarle Chile was distinguished with first place in the Industrial Development category, for its new La Negra III chemical conversion plant, inaugurated on June 13 of this year in Antofagasta.
The ceremony took place during the Mining Business Dinner of the Association of Industrialists of Antofagasta (AIA), where the jury applauded the initiative, highlighting that it appears as the most modern plant in Latin America. With an investment of more than 500 million dollars, the third plant gives it the capacity to double the company's lithium production in Chile and further optimize water use thanks to a 100 million dollar thermal evaporator that is designed to reduce fresh water consumption per metric ton by up to 30%.
For Ignacio Mehech, Vice President of External Affairs and Country Manager of Albemarle Chile, "this important recognition makes us happy and gives us certainty that we are on the right track. With this expansion, Albemarle is supporting the global energy transition with concrete actions and securing its leadership, in order to respond to the growing demand for lithium through innovation and sustainability."
For his part, Marko Razmilic, president of AIA, added that "from our organization we are proud to contribute to the recognition of companies such as Albemarle, which maintains a clear intention to continue adding value to the region and the country, through a sustainable development strategy."