Eramet Inaugurates Direct Lithium Extraction Plant in Argentina

On 3 July, Eramet announced the inauguration of its direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant in Salta Province, Argentina, becoming the first European company to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate on an industrial scale. The Centenario plant, situated at 4,000 meters altitude, is set to commence production in November 2024. The ramp-up is expected to be achieved by mid-2025. The first phase aims to produce 24,000 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate (on 100%). Eramet estimates the cash cost at full capacity is around $4,500 to $5,000 per tonne of LCE. According to Eramet, its DLE technology has reached a high lithium recovery rate of approximately 90%, compared to 40-50% with traditional evaporation methods, after being developed over five years at a pilot plant on the Centenario site.