Brine grades in Andean salars: When basin size matters A review of the Lithium Triangle

The Lithium Triangle, a zone of the Central Andes characterized by presence lithium (Li)-rich salt pans within endorheic basins, has gained worldwide reputation chiefly due to its exceptional Li brine-type deposits. We summarize scientific hydrochemical reports, totalizing data set composed 477 brine samples across Triangle. Brine compositions are predominantly Cl? - SO42? / Na+ Mg2+ type, however, major chemistry and Li+ grades vary Andean plateau. show some degree geographic organization but no clear pattern was observed in distribution highlight an interdependency between areal surfaces which, related concentrations, following linear proportions: 1) 1:5 1:10 proportionality basin catchments those pans; 2) 2:1 maximum mean values; latter implies that equation ? ½ max can be employed predict indicative during surveys Andes. In addition, concentrations addressed with respect area and/or catchments: it would not only largest, also oldest salars expected hold greatest concentrations. Finally, involving all plateau is more than three times size what known as Triangle curved crescent shape; we thus propose referring future Crescent.