Question 1

What does PEC recommend, DLE or evaporation ponds?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Does PEC do Hydrogeology?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

What major projects are in your portfolio?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 4

What sets us apart from the competition?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 5

What other technologies does PEC have mapped besides DLE?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

What is the estimated commissioning time for a DLE plant?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

Can you perform a technical-economic evaluation of a project?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

Up to what level of engineering development can you provide service?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 9

Do you have qualified professionals?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

How many people work at PEC?

Accepted Answer

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).

Question 11

Can you perform laboratory tests?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 12

What other industries, apart from lithium, can you advise?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 13

How many years of experience does the consultancy have?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

How does PEC manage the risk of “Scalability” (from Pilot to Commercial)?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

How does PEC help with the social feasibility of a project?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Does PEC have a vision for the byproducts market (Magnesium, Potassium, Boron)?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can PEC conduct Due Diligence studies?

Accepted Answer

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.

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