Breakthrough technique could produce lithium in hours
Early studies indicate about 90% of contained lithium can be recovered using the filter system, compared to about 30% when producers use the existing process of pumping brines.
Miners claim that while they have been trying to legalize their activities for years, mining companies have a much easier time getting their activities regularized with authorities.
Once confined to Peru and Colombia, the shady business has spread out to neighbouring countries and is generating up to five times more revenue than drug trafficking.