Frequently Asked Questions

There is no single solution. At PEC, we carry out a comprehensive diagnosis specific to each case before issuing a recommendation. The choice depends on a techno-economic analysis that considers critical variables such as the chemical composition of the brine, the net evaporation rate at the site, the availability of fresh water, local environmental regulations, and the feasibility of reinjection. Our goal is to recommend the technology that maximizes the project’s value with the lowest possible environmental impact.

Absolutely. Our capabilities cover the entire lithium cycle: from the hydrogeological characterization of the deposit and basin modeling, to the final design of the production and purification process. We have hydrogeological support from Atacama Water to address an “end-to-end” project. This ensures that the plant design is perfectly aligned with the dynamics of the resource in the salt flat, avoiding inconsistencies between the brine supply and the plant’s capacity.

Our track record includes more than 25 years of strategic and technical consulting in the most demanding markets. Among our most notable milestones are: Complete design of the Salar de Olaroz project, now owned by Rio Tinto, Rhyolite Ridge, Salar de Maricunga, and others. PEC has advised numerous critical projects in more than 10 countries, focusing on the transition from conventional methods to high-recovery systems. For detailed technical information about our experience, we invite you to visit our project section.(https://hoc-maastricht.wixstudio.com/pec-lithium-experts/projects)

Our company has senior personnel, years of experience, a large number of past clients, and successfully completed projects. What distinguishes us is our “Senior ” approach. At PEC, your project is led by experts with over 20 years of experience who have witnessed the evolution of the industry. We combine a rigorous technical vision with proven execution in highly complex projects, ensuring results that minimize technical and financial risk.

In addition to Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), we master technologies for solar evaporation, fractional crystallization, concentration and crystallization, and purification systems using ion exchange , reverse osmosis, filtration, etc . Our expertise allows us to design hybrid processes that optimize lithium recovery according to the specific chemistry of each location.

Once environmental permits are obtained, the estimated time for a pilot plant is usually between 3 and 12 months, depending on the plant’s size, brine complexity, and pre- and post-DLE processes. For a commercial-scale plant, the timeframe extends from 24 to 36 months. At PEC, we optimize these times through rigorous planning starting from basic engineering.

Yes. We carry out comprehensive evaluations that include CAPEX, OPEX, and sensitivity analysis. We do more than just provide numbers; we deliver a solid business model that allows our clients to make informed investment decisions and attract external financing.

We cover the cycle from Conceptual Engineering, Scoping Study, and PEA. We also act as evaluators and auditors for Pre-Feasibility Studies (PFS), Feasibility Engineering (FS/Bankable), and Detailed Engineering.

We have a team of elite specialists in chemical processes, hydrogeology , solar evaporation, and the environment. We highlight the presence of a Qualified Person (QP) certified to sign technical reports under the international standard NI 43-101 , which ensures our reports have legal validity before stock markets and investment funds. In the “team” section, you can find more information about our professionals.

We are an Engineering structure made up of 4 senior consultants and two junior engineers, supported by a global network of strategic collaborators. This model allows us to maintain direct contact with the client, greater agility in responses, and technical excellence without the bureaucracy of large firms. (link to our team).

We design and supervise test protocols, but collaborate with a network of internationally certified laboratories and pilot facilities (such as SGS, ALS, Ansto, Metso, and others). This ensures the impartiality of the results, guaranteeing that the data is auditable and accepted by third parties.

Our experience in thermodynamics and separation processes allows us to successfully advise the nitrate, potassium, boron, iodine, and industrial effluent treatment industries. We apply the principles of circular economy for the recovery of valuable salts in various chemical processes.

PEC has over 25 years of consulting experience and has worked with multiple clients over the years. You can view our clients through the years here.(https://hoc-maastricht.wixstudio.com/pec-lithium-experts/team)

This is one of our greatest strengths. We use advanced process simulation, based on technical knowledge and our extensive experience. We apply scaling factors based on real empirical data. We identify chemical and mechanical “bottlenecks” at the design and/or pilot stage to mitigate operational risks before major investment in the commercial plant.

We understand that a project is only viable if it is sustainable. We help integrate low water consumption and minimal carbon footprint technologies (such as the use of renewable energy and water recovery in the process), facilitating the acquisition of the “social license to operate” through a design that respects the ecosystem and local communities.

Absolutely. We do not see magnesium or potassium as “waste,” but as opportunities for commercial byproducts. We can design processes to purify these elements, which improves the project’s profitability and reduces the environmental impact of disposal deposits.

Yes, PEC is a leader in technical Due Diligence studies for investors and mining companies. We have evaluated assets at various stages of development, analyzing everything from the veracity of mineral resources to the real feasibility of the proposed technology, providing clarity in merger and acquisition processes.