Chile will start talks with Square meters over its operations in Atacama This Semester to impress the world’s No. 2 lithium mining company sign to a country to lead public-private model designed to wrap up a dialogue during the current governmentthe economy minister Monday said.
in first interview with international mediasince government last week announced plans for state control of Metal key for electrical vehicle Economics Minister Nicholas Grau said state mining company Codelco would do so start talks over public-private lithium production soon like possible. “
While Codelco dominates the production of copper in Chile is the world’s largest copper producer in the country, the country has not yet produced lithium.
Kudelco Talks with companies that operate in Salar de Atacama, in particular with SQM whose contract expires in 2030, something will begin “Right through this semester,” Grau said.
he added that progress He was also is expected with US-based Albemarle Corp., the world’s largest producer of lithium, held expires in 2043.
Albemarle and Santiago-based SQM are the only two producers of lithium in Chile is working in Atacama salt flat, which contains 90% of Lithium reserves in the Andes. Stores for Both companies backed off on Friday after the nationalization of President Gabriel Borik announcement.
Regarding the talks regarding the Salar de Atacama, me want to be very clear on This, is something that will be determined during this government, Grau said, adding that there are no specific deadlines, but all the actors are aware of that. of The urgency involved. the next national The election date has been set for 2025.
the strategy includes a new national lithium company, which must be approved by Congress, but Grau said that government He believes that Codelco has “the potential to take over new challenges”as well as” scale and know-how”to deal with lithium.
Grau added Codelco can start moving forward with Establishing public-private partnership with Companies that have advanced exploration in Mariconga Salt Flat.
For other salt flats, Grau said agreements will be adopted on the development Schedules, production value and strategy of all project.
“It is reasonable to leave some space so concrete public-private structuring of Every salt flat depends on interest of all oneGrau said, adding that Borek noted that government Control will be reserved for Salt flats are strategic.
Chile holds the world’s largest reserves of lithium second- the world’s largest producer, the white mineral is produced mainly from, and not from, salt lakes hard rock mines.
Grau added that government will start Host talks with local and indigenous communities in Atacama salt was flattened early on. Some communities had strong opposition to the lithium projects, however government He said he would raise production with interest for ecosystems.
the minister He said that more of the steps To implement new lithium strategy This will be implemented yearbut the creation of a new national The lithium company can take longer.
