No 1 source of global mining news and opinion
Chile’s government on Tuesday opened up more than two dozen lithium salt flats to private investment, while reserving the prolific Atacama and Maricunga deposits for state majority control in lithium extraction.
The opening to fresh projects could more than double Chile’s production of lithium, a key material for electric vehicle batteries, in a decade, said Finance Minister Mario Marcel.Officials said they would open a tender process in 26 salt flats in April, set to conclude in July, although not all would necessarily attract interest, officials said.Only two companies currently extract lithium in Chile – Chile’s SQM and US-based Albemarle – both in the Atacama salt flat.
The government appointed state-run copper giant Codelco to negotiate joint ventures with each company. So far, the miner has inked a preliminary deal with SQM set to run through 2060. Officials on Tuesday said the government is also interested in participating in lithium projects outside Atacama and Maricunga, without a majority stake.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Lithium investors are looking beyond price plunge, Chile minister saysNo 1 source of global mining news and opinion
Read more »
Chile wants 3 or 4 new lithium projects running in 2026, finance minister saysNo 1 source of global mining news and opinion
Read more »
BHP becomes first miner in Chile to exceed 40% female representationNo 1 source of global mining news and opinion
Read more »
Chile no consigue el Oscar, que se va para Ucrania'La memoria infinita' no tuvo suerte en la ceremonia de la Academia
Read more »
Three people from Chile arrested for north Scottsdale burglariesThe arrests happened as police observed several neighborhoods between Sunday night and Monday morning
Read more »
'We Will Bury Neoliberalism': Global Celebration Follows Leftist Victory in ChileJake Johnson is a senior editor and staff writer for Common Dreams.
Read more »