The first evaporation pond of the Llullaillaco Salt Lake in Argentina, with a capacity of one billion liters, has been put into operation. It is the largest pond of the project.
A bird's-eye view of the Llullaillaco Salt Lake in Argentina [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Located in the Mariana region of the Andes Mountains at more than 4,000 meters above sea level, the project of Llullaillaco Salt Lake is designed with 36 evaporation ponds.
Construction of the project started in May 2022 and it is scheduled to be completed and put into full operation in June 2024.
China Railway No. 10 Engineering Group Co., Ltd, a subsidiary of China Railway Group Limited, is responsible for the project.
A view of the construction site of the Llullaillaco Salt Lake in Argentina [Photo/sasac.gov.cn]
Once operational, the project is expected to support the construction of the local lithium chloride plant with an annual output of 20,000 metric tons. The 42g/L concentrated lithium brine refined at the plant will be sent to a processing plant in Salta Province, which will be of great significance to the integration of local resources and will develop the lithium industry in affected areas. It will also promote green recycling and the comprehensive utilization of resources in Argentina.
(Executive editor: Wang Ruoting)
