Albemarle Corp., Charlotte, N.C., began a 15-day shutdown of a potash plant at its Salar de Atacama facility in northern Chile on June 17, in a decision that is not expected to impact lithium output, according to Bloomberg. The company said the decision comes after reviewing recommendations by local health authorities and with the welfare of employees in mind.
“Thanks to the strict prevention measures we have taken since the beginning of this global pandemic, we have not impacted our production or had to stop our lithium production operations,” the company said. The temporary closure reduces site personnel by 10 percent, or 24 people.
Albemarle said it produces lithium carbonate, lithium chloride, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride at the site. The company had not responded to inquiries at press time as to the amount of production that would be impacted.
Albemarle on June 12 confirmed eight cases of COVID-19 among the Salar mine workforce. At the time, a Salar union accused the company of failing to implement the necessary protocols and said infection rates may accelerate. “The situation is getting more concerning,” said Domingo Cruz, President of Albemarle Salar’s worker’s union. “We have made different recommendations to the company, but we have not been heard.”
Albemarle said it is strictly following all health authority protocols. “Our prevention measures are in line with all health authority recommendations, allowing us to have traceability of cases in the midst of a global pandemic.”
It said it continues to follow protocols such as temperature checks, health screenings, and the use of face coverings.
Albemarle said it is staying in close contact with ill team members to monitor their condition, as well as maintaining communication with unions and the Council of Atacama Peoples.