Chilean Lithium Mine Doubles Extraction Rate with Atlas Copco's WEDA Pumps

A lithium mining operation located in the northern region of Chile has successfully doubled its lithium extraction rate after the implementation of Atlas Copco’s WEDA series drainage pumps. Seeking to enhance both efficiency and sustainability in its extraction process, the South American mining facility collaborated with Atlas Copco’s trusted regional distributor, TRILE. Through expert consultation and the deployment of high-performance equipment, the mine has not only improved its production efficiency but also realized a significant 60% reduction in maintenance-related costs.

The Growing Importance of Lithium in the Global Market

Lithium plays a vital role in the worldwide transition toward clean energy and decarbonization. As an essential raw material for the production of rechargeable batteries—particularly those used in electric vehicles (EVs), portable electronics, and grid-scale energy storage systems—lithium demand is at an all-time high. Industry forecasts predict that global lithium demand will double between 2025 and 2030, potentially exceeding 2.4 million metric tons. By 2035, global requirements could surge even further, reaching an estimated 3.8 million tons annually.

In 2023 alone, Chile contributed to approximately 24% of global lithium production, with an output of around 44,000 metric tons. This marked an impressive increase of more than 15% compared to the previous year, underscoring the country’s critical role in the global lithium supply chain.

WEDA submersible pumps being installed for lithium extraction

The process of extracting battery-grade lithium carbonate begins with the refining of brine—a salty liquid rich in lithium. This brine is extracted from underground aquifers and pumped to the surface, where it undergoes a series of natural evaporation stages in large ponds. To optimize the rate of evaporation, which is crucial for increasing lithium concentration, the depth of the brine in each pond must be precisely managed. Shallower brine levels allow for quicker evaporation, thereby speeding up the entire production cycle.

At this Chilean mine, existing dewatering pumps maintained brine depths of around 25 centimeters. However, operators identified that further reducing this level could result in substantial improvements in operational performance. Looking for a more advanced and dependable pumping solution, the mine's engineers reached out to TRILE, the authorized local distributor for Atlas Copco equipment, for assistance in selecting the most effective technology for the task.

“We worked in close partnership with our client to fully grasp their operational requirements. Reliable performance at very low brine levels was non-negotiable. Thanks to our extensive experience with Atlas Copco’s submersible drainage pumps, we were able to configure a customized solution based on the WEDA D series that perfectly suited this application." — Enzo Altamore, Sales Manager at TRILE

A Durable and High-Performance Pumping Solution

After evaluating the mine’s specific needs and challenges, TRILE recommended the use of Atlas Copco’s WEDA D80N submersible drainage pumps. These pumps are engineered for durability and superior performance, incorporating cutting-edge wear deflector technology that extends the unit's service life while maintaining consistent output. A key feature of the D80N is its use of high-chrome (55 HRC) vanes combined with auxiliary vanes that redirect solids, which effectively protect the impeller from damage caused by abrasive materials. This smart design ensures operational reliability and reduces both wear and tear and unplanned downtime.

“Our WEDA drainage pumps are designed to deliver reliable performance in handling both clean and dirty water, even in applications involving small solid particles,” said Pablo Romero, Sales Manager Dewatering Pumps South America at Atlas Copco. “Moreover, we integrate ease of repair and environmental considerations into the design process. This reduces the environmental footprint and supports our long-term sustainability goals as a company.”

WEDA D80N working in extraction pond

The WEDA D80N not only excels in performance but is also built with serviceability in mind. Its modular structure and unique sealing system make it one of the most adaptable pump solutions available. These features enable users to carry out maintenance tasks independently, reducing reliance on specialized technicians, cutting downtime, and lowering maintenance expenses.

From a technical perspective, the WEDA D80N boasts a maximum pumping height of 40 meters, a maximum flow rate of 100 liters per second, and the ability to handle solids up to 12 millimeters in diameter. Given the demanding environment and high operational standards at the Chilean mine, a decision was made to install one pump per pond, resulting in a planned deployment of up to 200 units across the site.

Accelerated Evaporation and Increased Productivity

Following the installation of the WEDA pumps, the mine achieved a notable improvement in its lithium extraction process. The pumps enabled the brine depth in the evaporation ponds to be reduced from 25 centimeters to just 15 centimeters, significantly accelerating the evaporation rate and boosting overall lithium output. At the same time, maintenance and associated operating costs were reduced by an impressive 60%, thanks to the durability and efficiency of the installed equipment.

“Throughout this project, we’ve focused on delivering the most effective solution to meet our client’s needs. Our deep understanding of mining applications, along with Atlas Copco’s technical support, empowered us to exceed expectations. Aligning our goals with those of the client was key to achieving such a positive result,” said Enzo Altamore.

View of the Chilean lithium mine

Looking Ahead: Scaling Up with WEDA D100N

The outstanding results from the initial implementation have led the mine to consider further scaling its operations. Encouraged by the performance of the WEDA D80N pumps, the mine is now evaluating the potential benefits of deploying the larger and more powerful WEDA D100N pumps on-site. These advanced pumps offer a maximum pumping height of 42 meters and an impressive maximum flow rate of 280 liters per second, making them ideal for even more demanding dewatering applications.

“The customer has been extremely satisfied with the performance of the WEDA units. We’re now supporting their next steps to optimize extraction further with the D100N model,” said Pablo Romero. “The success of this project was made possible by the close cooperation between TRILE’s commercial expertise and Atlas Copco’s technical capabilities.”

This success story from Chile not only showcases the capabilities of Atlas Copco’s drainage pump technology but also reflects a broader trend in the mining industry—toward smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable operations in pursuit of essential materials like lithium.