Translation of Mexican Article On mining8 Jul 2020 20:13
Jul 08, 2020 Mexico prepares to exploit its lithium reserves
Posted at 01: 56h in Notiminero by Cmanager
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For 2016 our country exported 3 kilograms of lithium, which represented revenues of $ 658, today the picture is very different. Currently, 31 projects related to this mineral are being developed in our country, among which is the one that promises to be the largest lithium deposit in the world. Bacadéhuachi is located in the state of Sonora, a town under which it is estimated that there is the largest deposit in the world.
According to Mining Technology, this Sonoran deposit has reserves of approximately 243.8 million tons of lithium. Compared to the Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia, another of the world's largest deposits of this mineral, Bacadéhuachi's reserves are greater by 21 million tons. Two companies are developing the project for the exploitation of this deposit: Bacanora Lithium and Gangfen Lithium.
Sonora Lithium is Lithium is the name of the project for this great deposit, which promises to be the largest in the world. 420 million dollars will be invested in it. The dimensions of the Sonoran deposit are important, but it is not the only place in the country where the extraction of this mineral is explored. Other states that are already in the process of exploring their lithium reserves are Baja California, San Luis Potosí and Zacatecas.
Lithium has different uses. It has the ability to reduce the melting point of other materials, as is the case with the aluminum, glass and ceramic industries. Its hygroscopic properties allow it to absorb moisture from the air and this makes it useful for air conditioning and humidity control systems. Lubricating greases are also made with lithium, these are used in transportation, both industrial and military. For medical purposes, small doses are used for antidepressant treatments. It is also used as a catalyst in the manufacture of special rubbers.
Of all the possible uses of this mineral, the most significant is the production of long-lasting batteries. This is the most important point for the lithium exploitation plan in Mexico. In addition to extraction, the Mexican government promotes the development of other industries around this mineral, such as the manufacture of batteries and other products that use them. Among the final products being considered are electric cars.
n December last year, the Secretary of the Environment, Víctor Toledo, communicated his interest in nationalizing this mineral. The mention of this proposal was made in a webinar organized by UNAM. The official position from the presidency rules out this nationalization. For President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, article 27 of the Constitution establishes the belonging to the nation of natural resources, both soil and subsoil.
Since February 2020, the Undersecretary of Mining, Francisco Quiroga, has already announced the interest of international investors in national lithium reserves. From Germany, Canada