Toyota Tsusho JV to begin lithium production in Argentina in 2013; supplies for Toyota Motor
29 December 2011
Nikkei. Toyota Group company Toyota Tsusho Corp. will begin lithium production in the Salar de Olaroz Lithium-Potash Project in Argentina in 2013 through its joint venture with Australian mining concern Orocobre Ltd. (Earlier post.)
Results of a feasibility study at the site, a salt lake in northwestern Argentina, showed estimated deposits of 6.4 million tons, a major upgrade from an initial projection of 1.5 million tons.
According to the Nikkei, Toyota Tsusho and Orocobre plan to begin constructing on-site facilities in 2012 upon government approval, with the mining to begin as early as 2013. The joint venture is expected to produce an annual 16,400 tons of lithium.
Toyota Tsusho will receive all the lithium produced at the site for supply to group firm Toyota Motor Corp. and others.
A smart move.
Posted by: HarveyD | 29 December 2011 at 07:19 AM
"The joint venture is expected to produce an annual 16,400 tons of lithium."
Sounds like a lot of batteries.
http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/is_lithium_ion_the_ideal_battery
That source suggests just 82 grams lithium content per KWh so 12KWh per Kg of Lithium or 12,000 KWh per ton. If this is correct 16,400 tons of lithium would provide up to 196,800,000 KWh of batteries per year. That's a lot of hybrids, plug-in hybrids and bevs each year.
Toyota is investing serious money to secure a lithium supply.
Posted by: Chip | 29 December 2011 at 08:10 PM
Yes, it is a smart and wise move.
Posted by: HarveyD | 30 December 2011 at 07:39 AM
Excellent move and necessary as Japan has essentially zero resource for lithium domestically. All these materials sources are valuable until a new material comes along and obviates the primary. It happens regularly with evolution.
Posted by: Reel$$ | 30 December 2011 at 02:03 PM