Análisis técnico, económico y ambiental de la aplicación de métodos de extracción directa de litio para las Salmueras del salar de Coipasa: Comparación entre absorción e intercambio iónico
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REV. MAMYM
Abstract
En el altiplano boliviano, se encuentra el Salar de Coipasa (68°8'W, 19°23'S), considerado como el segundo salar más grande en Bolivia (2,500 km², 3,656 m.s.n.m.), ubicado al noroeste del Salar de Uyuni. El salar de Coipasa tiene mayor significancia como recurso estratégico de desarrollo para el departamento de Oruro en Bolivia. El presente trabajo de investigación se circunscribe al análisis de los métodos de Extracción Directa de Litio (EDL, por sus siglas en inglés DLE) aplicables a la salmuera del Salar de Coipasa, con un enfoque a dos tecnologías emergentes: absorción mediante sorbentes (adsorbentes) e intercambio iónico con resinas o sorbentes iónicos. Se examinan los fundamentos teóricos, la viabilidad operativa, los desafíos técnicos, económicos, ambientales, energéticos y de calidad de pureza del producto final de Litio obtenido, así como la factibilidad para su implementación en Coipasa, considerando las características geoquímicas de la salmuera. Se propone una metodología para ensayos piloto, se evalúan posibles resultados y, finalmente, se discuten las ventajas relativas de cada método en el contexto local.
In the Bolivian Altiplano lies the Coipasa Salt Flat (68°8'W, 19°23'S), considered the second largest salt flat in Bolivia (2,500 km², 3,656 m.a.s.l.) and located northwest of the Uyuni Salt Flat. The Coipasa Salt Flat holds major significance as a strategic development resource for the Department of Oruro in Bolivia. This research study focuses on the analysis of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) methods applicable to the brine of the Coipasa Salt Flat, with emphasis on two emerging technologies: lithium absorption using sorbents (adsorbents) and ion-exchange processes employing resins or ionic sorbents. The study examines the theoretical foundations, operational feasibility, and the technical, economic, environmental, social, and energy-related challenges, as well as issues related to the purity of the final lithium product. It also assesses the feasibility of implementing these methods in Coipasa, taking into account the geochemical characteristics of the brine. A methodology for pilot testing is proposed, potential outcomes are evaluated, and the relative advantages of each method are discussed within the local context.
In the Bolivian Altiplano lies the Coipasa Salt Flat (68°8'W, 19°23'S), considered the second largest salt flat in Bolivia (2,500 km², 3,656 m.a.s.l.) and located northwest of the Uyuni Salt Flat. The Coipasa Salt Flat holds major significance as a strategic development resource for the Department of Oruro in Bolivia. This research study focuses on the analysis of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) methods applicable to the brine of the Coipasa Salt Flat, with emphasis on two emerging technologies: lithium absorption using sorbents (adsorbents) and ion-exchange processes employing resins or ionic sorbents. The study examines the theoretical foundations, operational feasibility, and the technical, economic, environmental, social, and energy-related challenges, as well as issues related to the purity of the final lithium product. It also assesses the feasibility of implementing these methods in Coipasa, taking into account the geochemical characteristics of the brine. A methodology for pilot testing is proposed, potential outcomes are evaluated, and the relative advantages of each method are discussed within the local context.
Description
Vol. 10, No. 2