The ulexita deposits are located in Salar de Diablillos and Antuco, a saltpan in Los Andes county, within the province of Salta, covering a total surface of 4,000,000 m2.
Former attempts to exploit the mineral mechanically failed in the area since the soil lacks the strength to put up with conventional equipment. Due to the geometrical characteristics of the mineral and its distribution in the deposit, the exploitation and mining is carried out by means of opencast manual work techniques. These techniques allow for a rational, selective type of exploitation and therefore a mineral low in its main pollutants, sand ad clay.
The advantage of this kind of exploitation is that it creates employment for local people, who currently do not have permanent job possibibilities.