Bolivian Lithium Deposits (YLB) signed a new agreement on Wednesday with the Chinese consortium CBC for the installation of a pilot plant in the Uyuni salt flat.
The pilot plant will use Direct Lithium Extraction technology, and initially, its capacity will be 2,500 tons per year, as stated by YLB's president, Karla Calderón.
She mentioned that the goal is to have a future plant with a capacity to produce 25,000 tons of lithium carbonate.
President Luis Arce acknowledged that the country was significantly behind in the lithium sector, which is why they are now hastening the industrialization process with "small but significant steps."
Bolivia has previously signed agreements with the same CBC from China, another Chinese company, and Russia's Uranium One for the development of the lithium industry.
However, the president announced that Bolivia is open to receiving more international companies. He mentioned that, even during official trips, there are expressions of interest to invest in cutting-edge technology for Bolivian lithium.
In this context, he informed that a new international call will be opened this January, emphasizing that Bolivia welcomes companies.
Arce clarified that international companies must accept Bolivia's requirements and its business model because the country intends to participate in the entire production chain, up to commercialization.
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