SQM’s vision is to have secured a consolidated leadership position in its three main business areas by 2010. A key element in this strategy is to increase its annual lithium carbonate production from 28,000 tons to 40,000 tons.
ARA WorleyParsons assisted SQM to derive a series of modifications to its production plant. The scope of services included conceptual, basic and detailed engineering, and procurement services for modifications to several plant areas including the solvent extraction area, first, second and third stage reactors, product compaction and dust collection system, and the pneumatic transport system. The remote and extreme conditions of the plant and the need to sustain current production levels required a design that applied a fit‑for‑purpose approach to facilitate construction and minimize operational shutdowns.
ARA WorleyParsons’ strong client relationship approach provided the ability to integrate effectively with the SQM project team and operations. This was recognized as a critical success factor in the delivery of this challenging project.
