Bolivia launches tender for lithium pilot plants

Bolivian state company YLB launched an international tender for the development of lithium pilot projects in seven of the country’s 28 salt flats.

The tender, which also involves other minerals, covers the Uyuni, Coipasa, Pastos Grandes, Capina, Cañapa, Chiguana and Empexa salt flats in the departments of Oruro and Potosí.

“This tender not only focuses on the production of lithium carbonate but also on other materials … The Bolivian business model is attractive, it is feasible for investments, it is possible for companies that operate in the national and international industry,” hydrocarbons and energy minister Franklin Molina said during the launch.

Winners will be selected in phases. In the first phase, companies must formally express interest and prove they have the technical capacity and experience with pilot or industrial projects that include evaporite rocks.

In the second stage, companies must present bids and prove they have the required financial capacity, while YLB will analyze the proposals in the third phase and publish information regarding the relevance of signing agreements with the company.

Agreements will be signed on August 6, according to the schedule presented by YLB research, engineering and project manager Salvador Beltrán.

Once in operation, companies must demonstrate the technical and financial feasibility of the projects.

Molina said the government encourages companies to use direct lithium extraction (DLE) as part of a salt flat industrialization policy.

“We are convinced that these companies that will [participate] will use cutting-edge technology to boost lithium production and contribute to the industrialization process under a principle that as a country we do not renounce: sovereignty over our energy resources, respect for the communities and peasant towns where this activity will be carried out, and respect for the environment,” Molina added.

Previously, the government signed agreements with international companies for pilot DLE projects in the Uyuni salt flat, where most exploration has taken place.

Recently, YLB signed an agreement with Chinese consortium CBC, comprising CATL, Brunp and CMOC, to develop a US$90mn, 2,500t/y pilot lithium carbonate plant in the Uyuni salt flat. The plant will use direct extraction technology and is planned to turn into a 25,000t/y industrial facility.

Last year, YLB also signed an agreement with CBC and Russia’s Uranium One.