Indian firm Altmin to complete Bolivian lithium-ion battery pilot plant by November

Indian company Altmin is set to establish a lithium-ion battery pilot plant in Bolivia by November this year.

“In November we will have the final phase of this pilot plant implemented and the results of the cathode production tests, with our lithium carbonate, by the end of December,” Karla Calderón, president of Bolivian state lithium company YLB, said after a meeting with Altmin executives.

YLB and Altmin signed an agreement to establish the plant last November. It will be built in La Palca, Potosí department.

Altmin will use its LFP-C technology to produce cathode material using lithium carbonate produced by YLB. It will also provide the equipment and supplies for the plant and will be responsible for its installation and start-up. 

The agreement includes the transfer of technical and scientific knowledge to manufacture active materials (cathodes and anodes).

Calderón added that, once the pilot plant is ready, Altmin will deliver results of the studies on the application of its technology with a view to the construction of an industrial-scale cathode plant, under a contract that will be sent to the legislative assembly for approval.

YLB plans to begin negotiations with the Indian firm next year regarding construction of that plant.