Albemarle's lithium carbonate plant in Chile to begin commercial production in Q3 2015

The US-based specialty chemicals maker Albemarle Corporation on July 8, 2015 announced that it has begun the commissioning process for its new lithium carbonate production plant at its La Negra site, near the port of Antofagasta in northern Chile. The 20,000 metric tonne (MT) plant will enable the company to meet the accelerating demand for lithium, especially high purity lithium compounds required for the production of large format lithium ion batteries.
 
The plant is on schedule to produce commercial quantities of lithium carbonate during the third quarter of 2015. Albemarle expects to increase production from the new capacity beginning early in 2016.  Initial production will be sold into technical applications while more lengthy battery grade qualifications take place.
 
Luke Kissam, president and CEO, Albemarle, said, "The company invested roughly $200 million to ensure we have a reliable source of supply for our customers as their demand for lithium, especially high purity lithium compounds, increases.”