Bolivia’s Lithium Production Set to Rise in 2025 Following Plant Stabilization
Bolivia's state-owned Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) announced that its Lithium Carbonate Industrial Plant in Uyuni, Potosí, is on track to boost production in 2025. The increase follows the stabilization of brine supply and auxiliary services at the facility, allowing for more consistent operations.
YLB attributed this progress to ongoing stabilization and parameter adjustments, which are under warranty by the plant's manufacturer. However, challenges persist due to the incomplete operation of the industrial evaporation pools, which currently suffer from operational disruptions affecting raw material quality and quantity.
The plant, which began operations in December 2023 after a reengineering process by YLB personnel, is projected to gradually scale up production to its full capacity of 15,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate annually. Continuous monitoring is underway to ensure productivity increases and proper execution of operations under the facility’s three-year construction warranty.
To address raw material supply issues, YLB is advancing pool repair projects and implementing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology. DLE bypasses the need for evaporation pools, accelerating lithium production and improving raw material availability.
YLB anticipates steady growth in potassium chloride and lithium carbonate output by 2025, supported by new government policies aimed at enhancing industrial production. Additionally, the company is diversifying its product line to include magnesium chloride, various grades of potassium chloride, and livestock salt.
Bolivia continues to prioritize the adoption of DLE technology through partnerships and service agreements with international firms. This innovative approach is expected to significantly boost production capacity and efficiency, positioning Bolivia as a key player in the global lithium market.
