This Definitive Feasibility Study presents the technical basis for a proposed 20,000-tonne-per-year lithium carbonate operation at the Blanco Project in the Atacama Region of Chile.
Report context
The technical report N° 209020-00049-0000-GE-TEN-0001, effective 17 January 2019, was prepared by WorleyParsons and FloSolutions for Minera Salar Blanco S.A. as a National Instrument 43-101 compliant Definitive Feasibility Study of the Blanco Project. The Blanco Project is located in Salar de Maricunga, approximately 170 km northeast of Copiapó, Chile, at an elevation of 3,750 masl. The property covers approximately 2,563 ha of mineralized ground in Salar de Maricunga, with an additional 100 ha northeast of the salar and 1,800 ha approximately 8 km north of the salar for evaporation ponds and process facilities. Air temperature averages 5 to 6 °C annually, precipitation averages 150 mm per year, and potential evaporation ranges between 2,100 mm and 2,400 mm per year.
Processing route
Background and historical testwork
Lithium recovery process development for the Blanco Project is based on testwork conducted between 2011 and 2018. Initial evaporation tests were carried out in 2011 by the University of Antofagasta as part of the Li3/MLE exploration program. Additional process testwork was conducted by POSCO in 2012/13. Further evaporation pond tests were performed in 2016 and 2018, and salt removal and lithium carbonate tests were conducted in 2017 and 2018.
Proposed design – solar evaporation ponds
The proposed recovery method, as described in the study, uses solar evaporation ponds as the primary concentration step. Brine extracted from the wellfield is pumped to evaporation ponds where water is removed by natural evaporation, concentrating lithium and other dissolved salts. The operation of the solar evaporation ponds involves sequential evaporation stages that precipitate salts in a controlled manner. The annual generation of salts from the evaporation ponds is reported in the study.
Proposed design – salt removal plant
Following solar evaporation, the concentrated brine is processed in a salt removal plant. A simplified process diagram for the salt removal plant is presented in the study. The salt removal plant removes precipitated salts prior to lithium carbonate production.
Proposed design – lithium carbonate plant
The concentrated and purified brine is then processed in a lithium carbonate plant. Simplified process diagrams for the lithium carbonate plant, presented as two sheets in the study, describe the processing steps. Reagents used for the process are documented in the study. The plant also includes water purification and equipment cleaning systems. Solid waste management for the lithium carbonate plant is addressed in the study.
General process configuration
A general process diagram and a process block diagram are provided in the study, illustrating the overall processing route from brine extraction through evaporation, salt removal, and lithium carbonate production.
Key reported parameters
| Parameter | Value | Unit | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design lithium carbonate production rate | 20,000 | TPY | Definitive Feasibility Study design |
| Lithium process recovery efficiency (assumed) | 58 | % | Reserve estimate assumption |
| Average lithium concentration in brine | 0.14 | % weight | Resource estimate |
| Average potassium concentration in brine | Reported | g/l | Resource estimate |
| Average annual pan evaporation | 2,100 to 2,400 | mm | Site climate data |
| Average annual precipitation | 150 | mm | Site climate data |
| Average annual temperature | 5 to 6 | °C | Site climate data |
| Evaporation test initial brine composition (Li) | 0.14 | % weight | 2011 University of Antofagasta testwork |
| Evaporation test initial brine composition (K) | 0.56 | % weight | 2011 University of Antofagasta testwork |
| Brine Mining Reserve (pumping to ponds) | Reported | , | Reserve estimate |
| Brine Production Reserve (Li₂CO₃ production) | Reported | , | Reserve estimate, assuming 58% recovery |
Project website: https://miningdataonline.com/property/3215/Maricunga-(Blanco)-Project.aspx
Technical qualifications
This report was prepared to provide an NI 43-101 compliant Definitive Feasibility Study. Items related to geology, hydrogeology, mineral resources and reserves were prepared by FloSolutions. Peter Ehren was responsible for preparing all technical items related to brine chemistry and mineral processing. Capital and operating expenditures were estimated by WorleyParsons, relying on quotations requested from equipment, chemicals and other suppliers, as well as from its project database. WorleyParsons relied extensively on Minera Salar Blanco and its consultants for information on future prices of lithium carbonate, legislation and tax in Chile, as well as for general project data and information. The study includes technical judgment of appropriate additional technical parameters to accommodate certain specific characteristics of minerals hosted in liquid brine as outlined in CIM Best Practice Guidelines for Resource and Reserve Estimation for Lithium Brines.
Source: Technical Report N° 209020-00049-0000-GE-TEN-0001, Definitive Feasibility Study of MSB Blanco Lithium Carbonate Project, Atacama Region, Chile, effective 17 January 2019. Relevant sections: 1 (Summary), 13 (Mineral Processing and Metallurgical Testing), 17 (Recovery Methods).
