With an innovative pumping system for lithium extraction known as DLE (Direct Lithium Extraction), the company Eramine belonging to the French group Eramet, together with an investment from the Chinese Tsingshan Group, started up the lithium carbonate production plant in the Centenario-Ratones salt flat. According to Eramet CEO Christel Bories, the first shipment of lithium carbonate will be made in November and a production of 24,000 tons per year is expected. The plant currently employs 1,500 workers until completion, after which it will keep about 350 on site. The plant, which is located about 500 km from the city of Salta, in the middle of the Centenario-Ratones salt flat, has the approval of the inhabitants of the communities living about 15 km from the exploitation site. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES