Bolivia's YLB Signs Agreement for Russia's Uranium One to Develop Lithium Plant

Written by Amir Richani for Industrial Info Resources (Sugar Land, Texas)--Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB), Bolivia's national lithium company, has signed an agreement with Uranium One Group for the Russian company to build the first direct lithium extraction plant (DLE) in the Salar of Uyuni, Potosi.

The construction of the plant will start after the signed agreement is approved by Bolivia's Plurinational Legislative Assembly. Uranium One is part of the uranium mining arm of Russia's Rosatom. Subscribers to Industrial Info's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Metals & Minerals project and plant databases can click here for the project report and click here for the plant profile.

"In accordance with the State's own Political Constitution, this contract will be submitted to the Legislative Assembly for its corresponding treatment. We expect the support, patriotism and determined participation of all national assembly members so that we can speed up the approval of the contract that will benefit our country," said Bolivian President Luis Arce.

The DLE plant will be located close to YLB's camp in Llipi, Potosi, and it will involve investments of US$976 million. The asset is projected to have a maximum capacity of 14,000 tons of lithium carbonate (battery grade) per year.

According to the United States Geological Survey, Bolivia has the world's largest lithium resources, with 23 million tons, while Salar of Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat. Despite this, Bolivia's lithium industry remains less developed than those of its neighbors Chile, Brazil and Argentina.

The sector's development has been slowed following former president Evo Morales's nationalization of lithium in 2008. In recent times, however, incumbent Luis Arce has sought to develop the industry, and YLB has signed agreements with Russian and Chinese companies to kickstart DLE plants.

Currently, YLB owns the Uyuni Industrial Complex, where it is producing 13 tons of lithium carbonate a day, according to a statement from the Bolivian company. By 2024, YLB expects to produce 20 tons of lithium per day at its complex.

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking more than 200,000 current and future projects worth $17.8 Trillion (USD).