Surface Occurrences and Lithium Recovery Potential in the Pingunchuela River Basin: Geochemical Evaluation and Market Value Estimation of Lithium Carbonate from Chachimbiro Geothermal Brine, Imbabura – Ecuador

Abstract

This study integrates published hydrogeochemical information on surface waters in the Pingunchuela River basin and explores hypothetical lithium recovery scenarios related to the Chachimbiro geothermal system. The compilation identifies a maximum surface-water lithium concentration of 6.776 mg/L; 7 mg/L is adopted as the nominal model input. With external flow rates of 860,000 kg/day – 273,130 tonnes/day, 90% availability and 80% recovery, the model yields 8.42–2,674.71 tonnes/year of lithium carbonate equivalent. At a reference price of USD 9,123.72/tonne, these quantities correspond to theoretical gross market values of USD 76,838.39–24,403,335.99/year. The flow rates were not measured in Chachimbiro, and these figures do not estimate its productive capacity or profitability. Concentrations of 13, 45 and 62 mg/L are conditional or comparative inputs. Deep-reservoir composition and productivity require independent verification.