Yacimientos de Litio Boliviano (YLB) has shortlisted four companies for lithium pilot plants in Bolivia’s salt flats. The bidders are China’s CBC, Italy’s Protecno, France’s Eramet, and Australia’s Eau Lithium. These companies were selected based on technological maturity, financial propositions, technical parameters, and project execution time.

Focus on Seven Salt Flats

The tender seeks to develop sites in Uyuni, Coipasa, Pastos Grandes, Capina, Cañapa, Chiguana, and Empexa. CBC aims to extract lithium using the adsorption method on residual brine. Protecno intends to treat wastewater for supply to local communities. Eramet and Eau Lithium propose extracting lithium using direct lithium extraction (DLE) from well brine.

Bolivia’s Lithium Strategy

Bolivia plans to become a leading global lithium supplier, targeting 50,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually. Yet, political challenges and bureaucratic processes have delayed progress. Companies are required to engage with local communities and conduct environmental assessments before proceeding.

Challenges and Investments

Despite substantial investment in DLE technology, the results have been inconsistent due to brine impurities and seasonal rainfall. The country recently launched its first industrial lithium plant, expected to reach full capacity in 2025, producing non-battery grade lithium initially.

Future Developments

Bolivia has secured $1.4 billion in investment agreements from Chinese and Russian companies to expand its lithium production, alongside collaborations in battery technology with India-based Altmin.

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