Lithium, copper and nickel: products that generate opportunities for mining companies

Global consumption of lithium, copper and nickel has been increasing in recent years. And mining companies should pay attention, as this growth brings a business opportunity.

The increased demand for long-lasting batteries for vehicles and electronic devices is driving this scenario. In some cases, consumers are also looking for adaptations in residential or commercial spaces that generate demand for wires or water heaters. These are items that contain one of the minerals.

And Máquinas Furlan is prepared to assist mining companies entering this new market, as well as those looking to expand their operations.

So, we’re going to tell you everything about this topic, which recently led the state government of Minas Gerais to launch the “Lithium Valley” project. Check it out.

The consumer is changing. And he needs to be served

First of all, it is important to emphasize that we are living in a period of intense change in consumer behavior. Some of people's actions today occur remotely, such as at work or in school.

There is also a view that we should seek more sustainable practices. An example of this is electric cars. In Brazil, hybrid vehicles – which include an electric motor as one of the options – are gaining ground.

Mass production in the coming years, to reduce the effects of climate change, among other benefits, is likely to increase. Lithium is a mineral present in long-lasting batteries, which can be used in both passenger vehicles and those used for deliveries.

This month, the government of Minas Gerais took the lead in mining the mineral by launching the “Lithium Valley”. There are 14 municipalities in the North and Northeast regions of the state, where there are reserves that can be commercially exploited. Teófilo Otoni is one of the main cities in this valley.

Civil construction is also a focus

The impact of processing this type of ore is becoming increasingly visible. In addition to the aforementioned delivery vans, there are now a reasonable number of residential developments with space in the garage for charging points for electric vehicles.

The trend began in large urban centers, such as São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Rio de Janeiro, as a differentiator in the sale of real estate, but today it is advancing rapidly. Copper and nickel are part of this energy transition scenario, in items such as electronic equipment and panels for generating solar energy.

The projection of the International Energy Agency, recently released by the Brazilian Mining Institute (IBRAM), is that the demand for lithium, for example, will increase 40 times in the next 20 years.

It is worth noting that the mining company, which focuses on lithium, copper and nickel as end products, is also preparing for a demand for consumption that goes beyond innovation. Copper, for example, is present in civil construction, such as in the wiring used in residential and commercial buildings. Nickel appears in more than 300 thousand types of products, the main one being stainless steel.

Equipment for a mining plant

According to the technical team at Máquinas Furlan, the structuring of a plant that uses one of these minerals as a final product has very similar characteristics. The client and Furlan begin contact by assessing the characteristics of the deposit, in addition to the mining company's objectives.

In a plant dedicated to these types of minerals, equipment such as:

. Jaw Crusher;

. Cone Crusher;

. Vibrating Screen;

. Ball Mill;

. Vibrating Feeder;

. and Belt Conveyors.

One of Furlan's main launches, which was widely accepted by the market, was the High Frequency Vibrating Screen (PVAF). The project's new features won over mining companies in Brazil and abroad.

Click here and visit the PVAF page on our website.

There are also Furlan customers who opt for the development of complete plant projects. Furlan is also a specialist in this area, as it supplies a line with more than 150 types of equipment.

The company also takes special care with the type of alloy of the wear parts that will be used in the project, since the objective – regardless of the type of ore – is to minimize maintenance downtime.

Customer Success in Mining

Customer success in mining depends on productivity in the mine and business profitability. With 61 years in the market, this philosophy has led Furlan to become one of the leaders in the supply of mining equipment, accessories and steel castings for wear and replacement.

Furlan also stands out for its concern for customers after the sale. Monitoring customer operations, in person or online meetings, is gaining momentum, as doubts arise whenever new developments are adopted at a plant.

Now that you know the opportunities offered to mining companies in processing aimed at producing copper, nickel and lithium, it's time to talk to us and find out how Furlan can help your company.

Click here , schedule a chat and find out more.