On Tuesday, Chile declared its intention to secure a controlling interest in exploring and exploiting significant and safeguarded salt flats, namely Atacama and Maricunga.
This move is a cornerstone of its National Lithium Strategy. Mining Minister Aurora Williams highlighted the momentous nature of this initiative.
She emphasized the country’s pioneering effort to conduct thorough studies to safeguard and sustainably manage these vital resources.
The government has pinpointed Atacama and Maricunga as key areas. State involvement will be crucial, led by the National Copper Corporation (Codelco).
Partnerships that blend public and private sector strengths will be formed in these areas.
The Atacama stands out for having Chile’s most extensive lithium reserves. This strategic emphasis signals the nation’s commitment to thoughtfully leveraging its natural assets.
Codelco’s activities in Pedernales and the National Mining Company (Enami)’s projects in the High Andean Salt Flats (Grande, Los Infieles, La Isla, and Aguilar) will follow a similar collaborative approach.
Each project will adapt to specific requirements, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness.
These salt flats form a significant part of Chile’s landscape, offering unmatched lithium production capabilities.
They cover nearly half of the country’s salt-flat areas, underscoring their importance. Furthermore, the government plans to initiate Protected Salt Flats Network studies.
National Lithium Strategy
This ambitious project aims to extend protected areas by more than 30%, aligning with the National Lithium Strategy’s goals.
Salt flats outside the strategic or protected categories in the northern regions will undergo a clear and open selection process.
This approach invites global investors to partake in lithium extraction projects, which private entities can wholly manage.
Launched in April 2023, the Lithium National Strategy envisions a robust role for the Chilean state across the lithium value chain, facilitated by public-private collaborations.
This strategy underscores the nation’s resolve to capitalize on its resources responsibly, promising economic and environmental benefits.