L.T. Extractionworks

Currently, Argentina is home to the third-largest reserves of lithium, with an estimated 45% to 50% of the reserves, importantly, economically extractable; it can be relatively easily mined when the right techniques are applied and infrastructure in place. The Salar de Llullaillaco area, where there are significant lithium reserves and where L.T. Extraction works has several highly productive sites, is thought to be home to one of the biggest lithium brine deposits

The preference for lithium in consumer electronics and batteries has seen global demand for the metal surge over the past few decades. But lithium is also used throughout many other industries, across various markets and inside a range of products around the world. Lithium can be found in:

Ceramics & Enamels

Adding lithium carbonate in the manufacturing process increases the strength of the product, improves viscosity and makes colors more vivid.

Construction

Lithium carbonate is used to accelerate the setting of cement and mortar.

Batteries

Perhaps the most well-known use of lithium is in consumer electronics in the form of rechargeable batteries. Lithium-ion batteries can be recharged many times and remain stable, have a high voltage capacity, are lighter than other batteries, have a longer lifespan, are fast-charging and are incredibly efficient.

Optics

From spectroscopy to telescopes, lithium is crucial in optical products and machines. Lithium can be found in specialist optical glass; the addition of lithium makes glass resistant to corrosion and allows the glass to perform optimally even at high temperatures.

Lubricants

Lubricant grease containing lithium can be found across transportation industries, from automobiles and trains to airplanes. The use of lithium-containing lubricants helps to prevent rust, reduces friction and can withstand high heat and moist environments.

Air Conditioners

Lithium bromide can be found in almost all air conditioning units, being used for absorption chilling; it serves to absorb water refrigerant.

Medications

Lithium salts are used in psychiatric medications, being used to stabilize moods, alleviate manic episodes, reduce aggression and much more.