More ‘white gold’: Minem announces two new projects in Peru’s “lithium belt”

The Deputy Minister of Mines of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem), Henry Luna, announced that there are currently two lithium projects in Peru that are processing their permits to begin the exploration phase.

These statements were made for Diálogos Mineros, a program of the Institute of Mining Engineers of Peru (IIMP), in the context of a growing interest in this mineral, known as the “new white gold” due to its high demand in various industries.

Luna explained that, in addition to these two projects in the process of obtaining permits, there are requests for new areas for lithium research.

“We are hearing from some investors that they are already investigating lithium, although they have not yet submitted their technical files,” he said. Once these documents are submitted, new players could be incorporated into the investment portfolio.

The areas of interest for these studies are located in the region between Puno, Moquegua and Cusco, an area known as the “lithium belt.”

The deputy minister stressed the importance of confirming international reserves through these studies and the transfer of information to the private sector for future concessions.

Lithium, the future of mining in Peru

Lithium has gained worldwide relevance due to its use in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles, electronic devices and other technological applications.

The Directorate General for Mining Promotion and Sustainability of the Ministry of Energy and Mines (Minem) stated in May of this year that the main demand comes from the transport sector, a trend that will continue to grow as cleaner alternatives to internal combustion engines are sought.

In Peru, initial lithium exploration has focused on the Andean Trapezium area, which encompasses areas of Argentina, Chile, Bolivia and Peru.

According to Carmelo Condori, director of Mining Promotion at Minem, preliminary studies have been carried out in the south of the country, especially in Puno, Tacna, Moquegua, Arequipa and Cusco, where there are indications of the presence of lithium.

Falchani, the only lithium project in Peru today

The Falchani project, run by the Macusani Yellowcake company, is one of the most advanced in the Puno region. This initiative is in the process of obtaining permits to begin exploration and hopes to confirm the presence of proven lithium reserves.

The company submitted a semi-detailed Environmental Impact Study (EIA) that is currently being evaluated by Minem. The Falchani project plans to begin construction of its production plant in 2027, with an estimated investment of US$867 million.

The plant aims to produce 25,000 tons of lithium carbonate annually in its first three years, increasing its capacity to 50,000 tons in the fourth year and reaching 100,000 tons per year in the eleventh year.

Source: Larepublica

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