Future of lithium industry in Chile and the national lithium strategy: integration of solar evaporation, direct lithium extraction, and controlled reinjection

Abstract

The lithium industry in Chile is undergoing a critical transition from an extensive evaporitic model to a more efficient, sustainable, and technologically integrated operation. This paper analyzes the main challenges of the Salar de Atacama, considering its high lithium concentration, favorable climatic conditions, and operational experience, but also the shift toward more complex brines with higher Mg/Li y SO 4 /Ca ratios, lower recovery efficiency, and increasing hydro-environmental pressure. It examines the limits of the conventional process, associated with long evaporation times, large land use, and lithium recoveries of 40–60%, as well as the potential of direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies, mechanical evaporation, chemical control with calcium, lithium sulfate recovery, and controlled brine reinjection. The framework of the National Lithium Strategy is also incorporated, highlighting state participation, public–private partnership, salar protection, technological innovation, and value addition. A hybrid operational model is proposed as a strategic pathway to increase Li⁺ recovery, reduce net brine extraction, progressively eliminate continental water use, and strengthen the socio-environmental legitimacy of Chilés lithium industry by 2060.