International Glass Review Autumn/Winter 1997
Renewed opportunities for lithium in glass and ceramics through new mining production
George H. Edwards, John H. Connelly and Peter W. Harben
This year should prove to be the year of lithium as two new operations start full-scale production. Sociedad Minera Salar de Atacama S.A., or MINSAL, came on stream in December 1996 with material extracted from the Salar de Atacama in northern Chile; and FMC Corp. will do the same during 1997 from its operation over the border at the Salar de Hombre Muerto in Argentina. Sourcing lithium from brines rather than from pegmatite minerals will reduce production costs and allow prices to be reduced. This is guaranteed by MINSAL's announcement that lithium carbonate will be available at an average of US$0.90/lb (0.4536 kg), FOB Antofagasta which, even with freight and insurance, would put the material into the U.S. market at least 30% below current price levels. This could potentially increase the demand for lithium in major markets such as glass and ceramics.
