by ErametFR
Establish reliable, cost-competitive lithium supply through direct extraction from brines, avoiding large solar ponds and reducing water use.
90% capacity in June 2026. Extension to 35 kt-LCE approved for study; FID Q4 2027.
Updated Q3 2026Checked 11 Oct0 updates this week
DLE uses chemical or physical separation to extract lithium ions directly from underground brines, faster than solar evaporation.
Extracted lithium is purified to remove magnesium, potassium, and other competing ions in the natural brine.
Purified lithium is converted to lithium carbonate, the standard form for battery and ceramic markets.
| Spec | Centenario-Ratones DLE plant |
|---|---|
| Technology | Direct lithium extraction from brineR (reported) |
| Nameplate capacity | 24 kt-LCE/yrR (reported) |
| H1 2026 production | 8,440 tonnes LCER (reported) |
| Capacity utilization (June 2026) | 90%R (reported) |
| Phase 1 extension planned | 35 kt-LCE/yr (total)R (reported) |
| Extension investment | Approximately USD 350 millionR (reported) |
| Location | Salta Province, ArgentinaR (reported) |
R reported by the company
Eramet
Direct lithium extraction DLE, nickel, manganese mining
Paris-listed mining company (1880) diversified into nickel, manganese, special steel, and lithium. The Centenario-Ratones DLE plant in Argentina is the first fully integrated brine-to-carbonate facility at industrial scale outside China.
