FLSmidth says it will complete a programme of work including engineering, supply of equipment and service at Sales de Jujuy’s Olaroz lithium facility in Argentina, formalising a relationship that commenced in early 2020. The order, valued at around DKK200 million, has been booked in Q3 2021. FLSmidth will also provide site services including installation supervision, commissioning and training.
The new plant will increase output at the site, maintaining its position as a major lithium producer in Argentina. This new lithium extraction facility will provide technical-grade lithium carbonate which, with further purification, will be used to produce battery cathodes for the growing electric vehicle market. Toyota Tsusho Corporation owns 25% of the facility.
“Following our involvement in extensive process design at Olaroz, we are very excited Sales de Jujuy has entrusted FLSmidth to supply technologies for their new, world-class lithium extraction plant in Argentina. This order, in addition to the other lithium extraction orders announced earlier in 2021, confirms FLSmidth’s leading position as the technology provider of choice for all types of lithium deposits globally. It’s also satisfying to partner with a company that shares FLSmidth’s commitment to environmentally sound lithium production – a great match for our MissionZero ambitions,” comments Mikko Keto, Mining President, FLSmidth.
The technology provided by FLSmidth includes a clarifier, Pneumapress® filters, Shriver® filter press, OTG polishing filters and a pyromet dryer package. The technology package also includes other important equipment such as the reactors, ion exchange, pneumatic transport system and a bagging package. Equipment delivery will begin shortly and the contract will be complete by end of 2022, with the final training.
“FLSmidth is a world leader in environmentally sound lithium processing technologies. This aligns with Sales de Jujuy’s ambition to not only produce materials necessary for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure, but to do so in an efficient and environmentally responsible manner through lowered emissions and significantly reduced water usage,” notes Fernando de la Calle, Engineering Project Director on the customer side.
The FLSmidth state-of-the-art equipment will deliver high availability and high productivity and mean low energy consumption and resource-efficient operations. The new plant is expected to produce 25,000 t/y of technical-grade lithium carbonate.
