Why DLE?
Technology with Tangible Benefits
Benefits Efficiency and Sustainability
Make more efficient use of the brine resource.
Increase lithium recovery.
Ability to reintroduce brine back into the environment after lithium extraction.
Direct Lithium Extraction: Innovation with Purpose
Learn about our pilot project in La Negra Plant and how this technology is transforming the future of lithium production.
What is DLE?
A New Way to Extract Lithium
A simple, clear explanation of what Direct Lithium Extraction is, how it differs from the traditional evaporation method, and its potential to change the industry.
PROJECTED
The Salar de Atacama project
The Salar de Atacama project
The project will be located in the municipality of San Pedro de Atacama, in the Antofagasta Region, approximately 31 kilometers from the town of Peine, and it includes two locations.
Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) Plant
Located in the eastern sector of the salt flat. The plant has a modular design with up to six production lines, each able to process approximately 50 liters of brine per second.
Key Facts
- Technology validated through more than 10 years of research and development.
- Pilot plant at the La Negra complex in Antofagasta, representing an investment of about $30 million dollars.
- Designed to occupy approximately 73 hectares, with a considerably smaller footprint.
Power Transmission Line
The operation will be supplied with renewable energy from the National Electric System. The electric line is projected to run parallel to Route B-39 toward the south.
Key Facts
- 220-kilovolt (kV) transmission line with an approximate length of 29 kilometers.
- Intended to improve electrical supply stability and digital connectivity in nearby communities.
- Includes continuous monitoring of water flows, levels, and water chemistry, together with an Early Warning Plan (PAT).
TED Project: Transition toward direct extraction
Gradual and flexible innovation
It was born after a decade of research and aims to reduce the net extraction of brine and increase efficiency.
It will feature a DLE plant (Direct Lithium Extraction) that will be modular, along with an Electric Transmission Line (ETL) among other facilities.
- $3.100
- Millions (US) is the total estimated investment of the TED Project.
- 350
- Jobs on average will be generated during the construction phase.
- 450
- Jobs are expected to be permanent once all production lines are in full operation.
Open House for Project TED
Albemarle launched an Early Citizen Participation (ECP) process to inform and engage communities about the project before it enters the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA).
This process includes an Open House event, which aims to inform, gather concerns, and collect contributions to help shape the project’s design.
Albemarle carried out an early citizen participation process on a voluntary and proactive basis, in line with the guidelines of the Environmental Evaluation Service (SEA), reaffirming its commitment to sustainability.
- +1.250
- People contacted
- 18
- Meetings
- 4
- Student talks
- 14
- Open house
- 9
- Visits to the pilot plant
Sustainability and Community
Technology Aligned with the Territory
Robust and participatory monitoring:
It includes the direct participation of community representatives and independent consultants. All information will be transparent and openly accessible.
Strategic infrastructure for the area
It opens up the possibility to improve the electricity supply and digital connectivity in nearby towns, consolidating Albemarle's commitment to the communities.
Priorities
It will create additional jobs and new opportunities for local suppliers in transportation, maintenance, food, and technical services. There will also be training programs in chemistry, electricity, and environmental monitoring.
With socioeconomic benefits
We extend the benefits of our operation to eighteen indigenous communities that integrate the Council of Atacameño Peoples thanks to an unprecedented agreement on Cooperation, Sustainability, and Mutual Benefit signed in 2016.
This agreement incorporates the highest standards proposed in the United Nations Declaration on Rights of Indigenous Peoples and the standards established by the ILO through Convention 169695 on Indigenous and Tribal Peoples in Independent Countries.
Through this partnership agreement, Albemarle commits to donating 3.5% of sales annually. This has so far resulted in more than 80 investment initiatives thanks to Albemarle's contribution, including a photovoltaic plant, drinking water and sewerage networks, street lighting, construction of community centers, 500 scholarships, among others.