The BMBF250004 project, developed under the ANID–BMBF Chile–Germany joint call, aims to contribute to the more sustainable implementation of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technologies in Chilean salars.
The initiative is led by the University of Chile, through the Advanced Mining Technology Center (AMTC) and the Andean Geothermal Center of Excellence (CEGA), together with the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) in Germany.
The project combines technological development, scientific research, and community engagement to address some of the main challenges associated with the future implementation of DLE technologies: efficient water use, the management and potential reinjection of depleted brines, and community understanding and engagement regarding these emerging technologies
Main Lines of Work
Lithium Recovery and Efficient Water Management
Development of an intensified membrane-based process to recover lithium while simultaneously obtaining high-quality water from brines. This line of work focuses particularly on advancing toward production processes that make more efficient use of water resources.
2. Assessment of Brine Reinjection
Development of geological, hydrogeological, and hydrogeochemical models to assess the reinjection of depleted brines into deep salar aquifers and better understand its potential impacts.
3. Community Engagement and Dialogue
Development of engagement and participation activities aimed at strengthening knowledge and understanding of DLE technologies and their environmental and territorial implications. The goal is to contribute to an informed and responsible technological transition.
Across these three lines of work, the project also seeks to strengthen scientific cooperation between Chile and Germany, support the training of graduate students and early-career researchers, and generate scientific knowledge that contributes to the sustainable development of Chile’s lithium industry.
Assessment of Brine Reinjection
Development of geological, hydrogeological, and hydrogeochemical models to assess the reinjection of depleted brines into deep salar aquifers and better understand its potential impacts.
Community Engagement and Dialogue
Development of engagement and participation activities aimed at strengthening knowledge and understanding of DLE technologies and their environmental and territorial implications. The goal is to contribute to an informed and responsible technological transition.
Across these three lines of work, the project also seeks to strengthen scientific cooperation between Chile and Germany, support the training of graduate students and early-career researchers, and generate scientific knowledge that contributes to the sustainable development of Chile’s lithium industry.
Project Team
Director
Humberto Estay
Fabian Nitschke
Diego Morata
Investigadores
Linda Daniele
Matías Taucare
Santiago Maza
Santiago Montserrat
Bárbara Bravo
Miguel Lemus
Michelle Quilaqueo
Lucy Muruchi
Marcos Maccioli
