A Lithium Leap in the Andes: EV Future Gets a Boost

Eramet launches commercial DLE in Argentina, slashing water use and boosting global lithium supply for the EV era.

11 Aug 2025

Eramet, the French mining group, has commenced full commercial production at its lithium project in Argentina’s Salta province, using direct lithium extraction (DLE) to accelerate output while limiting environmental impact.

The Centenario plant will produce 24,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually, with shipments already underway to customers in China. The facility is among the first in the world to apply DLE at scale, representing a shift away from traditional evaporation-based methods.

Unlike conventional approaches, which require large evaporation ponds and over a year of processing time, DLE extracts lithium directly from brine and processes it in a matter of days. The technique significantly reduces water usage, a key issue in Argentina’s arid north, and has drawn interest from electric vehicle manufacturers seeking more sustainable supply chains.

“This proves DLE works at scale,” said a mining analyst based in the region. “It is no longer a lab concept, it is industrial reality.”

Eramet assumed full control of the Argentine venture last year after acquiring its former joint venture partner’s stake. The company’s modular facility design allows for future expansion or replication at nearby brine deposits, positioning Eramet for further growth in the so-called Lithium Triangle, which spans Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.

Global lithium demand is rising rapidly amid accelerating adoption of electric vehicles and energy storage systems. Western automakers and battery producers have been seeking to diversify away from Chinese-dominated supply chains and are looking to South America for alternative sources.

While DLE has long promised faster and cleaner lithium production, its commercial viability has remained uncertain until now. Eramet’s progress could encourage further investment in similar projects globally, although questions remain around cost, long-term performance and adaptability to varying geological conditions.

Argentina, which holds some of the world’s largest lithium reserves, has been encouraging foreign investment in its mining sector. Eramet’s entry into commercial-scale DLE may serve as a blueprint for other international firms aiming to deploy low-impact extraction methods in resource-rich regions.