Our operation is the heart of Chilean lithium, where innovation and sustainability go hand in hand.
Current operation
Our operation in the Atacama Salt Flat
En Novandino LitioWe operate from two key points in northern Chile: the Atacama Salt Flat and the Carmen Lithium Chemical Plant, in the Salar del Carmen, near Antofagasta.
In the heart of the Atacama Salt Flat, we extract lithium-rich brine through deep wells and transport it to evaporation ponds, where the desert sun naturally concentrates this resource. Powered by 95,8% solar energy , we transform the lithium while protecting our land and the communities it serves.
When the brine reaches the ideal concentration, it arrives at the Carmen Lithium Chemical Plant , where it is converted into high-purity lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide . In this way, these products are not only transformed into components that power rechargeable batteries, but also contribute to Chile's energy supply for the world and a sustainable future.
How did the lithium that powers Chile originate?
1
We drill wells in the Atacama Salt Flat to capture brine , a liquid treasure that holds lithium and other minerals essential for the energy of the future.
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We take it to large ponds where it slowly evaporates with the help of the sun and wind , which naturally concentrate the minerals, transforming the lithium with the power of nature.
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As the salts separate, the lithium remains in liquid solution to continue its journey towards purification, always taking care of our territory and the balance of the Salar.
The harvested salts are transported for the production of Potassium Chloride (KCl)
4
The lithium remains in the concentrated brine, which continues to evaporate. Then, through chemical purification processes (such as filtration, crystallization, and leaching), we separate the lithium from other impurities, converting it into a high-quality resource.
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Finally, the purified lithium is processed in chemical plants to convert it into high-purity products , such as lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide , which power batteries and technologies that project clean energy from Chile to the world.
Production with a view to the future
Our production capacity reaches up to 210 tons of lithium hydroxide equivalent (LCE) per year , positioning us among the largest and most technologically advanced operations in the world.
With official authorization from the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission (CCHEN) since July 2025, we project our lithium production until 2060. This plan contemplates up to 3,02 million tons of lithium metal equivalent (LME) between 2031 and 2060, guaranteeing a safe and sustainable development that allows Chile to lead the global energy transition.
Committed to sustainable mining
Caring for the environment where we operate is an essential part of how we understand development. Novandino Litio we use 95,8% solar energy in the brine concentration processes in the Atacama Salt Flat, harnessing the natural power of the desert to reduce our carbon footprint and move towards cleaner mining.
In addition, we have an environmental monitoring system with over 300 measurement points distributed from the heart of our operations to the areas near the salt flats. This information is publicly available through our Online Monitoring platform , allowing for transparent and continuous tracking of our impact on the region.
Discover our electric fleet
We are driving the transition to cleaner operations with our electric fleet at the Carmen Lithium Chemical Plant. We have 11 Maxus ET90 electric pickup trucks with a 350 km range and a 1,7-hour charging time, along with a King Long 6130 Etech electric bus for 44 passengers, which travels 300 km and charges in 1,5 hours, bringing our team to the heart of the operation safely and sustainably.
With this delivery, we have the largest and most diverse electric fleet in the national mining industry , reducing emissions, optimizing transportation, and improving the experience of those who make our operation possible.
In addition, we are adding heavy-duty electric trucks in pilot mode (such as the Yutong), reinforcing our commitment to achieving carbon neutrality in our operations by 2030.
Responsible Extraction Plan
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we are implementing a concrete plan to make lithium production increasingly efficient and responsible in its use of natural resources. The Sustainability Plan includes a progressive reduction in brine extraction and the use of continental waters, aligned with our goals for the protection of the Atacama Salt Flat and its surrounding environment.
Track the daily environmental monitoring of our brine extraction through our Online Monitoring.