Lithium mining in salt flats such as the Salar de Atacama (Chile) and the Antofagasta salt flats presents unique conditions for conveyor belts: intense exposure to lithium chlorides and sulphates, extreme UV radiation above 3,000 m altitude, thermal variations from -15 °C to +40 °C in the same day, and transport of concentrated brines.
At NFP Industrial we represent Zhejiang Fuda Rubber Co., Ltd. and select the appropriate belts for each point of the lithium extraction and concentration process.
EP and NN belts for lithium salt flats
Multi-ply EP belts for lithium carbonate transport
Fuda EP (polyester-polyamide) belts offer the ideal combination of high tensile strength, low elongation and moisture resistance for transport of dry lithium carbonate and processed brines.
- •Grade L or D cover depending on mineral abrasion level
- •2–6 EP plies for tensions from 160 N/mm to 1,250 N/mm
- •Resistance to degradation by chlorides and sulphates
NN belts for medium-tension applications
Fuda NN (nylon-nylon) belts are suitable for medium-distance conveyors in brine processing plants. Their flexibility allows reduced drum diameters in compact installations.
- •1–6 NN plies for tensions from 100 N/mm to 800 N/mm
- •Greater flexibility than EP — ideal for curves and diverters
- •Resistance to moisture from processed brines
Specific salt flat conditions
| Salt flat condition | Fuda solution |
|---|---|
| Lithium chloride corrosion | Salt-resistant cover (class A3) |
| Extreme UV radiation (altitude) | Rubber formulation with UV protection |
| Thermal variation -15 °C / +40 °C | Wide thermal range rubber |
| Lithium carbonate abrasion | Grade D or H cover |
| Wet brine transport | Waterproof cover, sealed seams |
Target markets for lithium
- •Chile: Salar de Atacama (Antofagasta Region) — world's largest lithium reserve
- •Argentina: Salar del Hombre Muerto (Catamarca), Salar Olaroz (Jujuy), Salar de Cauchari — part of the Lithium Triangle
- •Bolivia: Salar de Uyuni (Potosí) — world's largest lithium reserves