Chile has announced the selection of six prime locations for lithium exploration, signaling the country’s ambition to bolster its role in the global lithium market. The mining ministry confirmed that the chosen sites include the Coipasa, Ollague, Ascotan, Piedra Parada, Agua Amarga, and Laguna Verde salt flats. This decision is part of Chile's strategic push to increase lithium output.
Mining minister Aurora Williams stated that consultations with indigenous communities in the vicinity of these exploration areas will begin in October. The government is taking a collaborative approach to ensure that environmental and social impacts are carefully considered before moving forward.
Second Round of Site Selections Expected
In addition to these six priority sites, a second list of saline systems and lithium deposits will be revealed later this year, according to Williams. The government will weigh geological viability, feasibility, and environmental concerns when determining future exploration areas.
Chile has already received 12 proposals from private and state-owned companies eager to tap into the nation's vast lithium reserves. Finance minister Mario Marcel announced plans to boost lithium production by over 70% by 2030, underscoring Chile’s role as a dominant player in the global lithium supply chain.
As part of the "lithium triangle" alongside Bolivia and Argentina, Chile holds 36-40% of the world’s known lithium reserves and is currently the second-largest producer of the critical mineral, essential for electric vehicle batteries and renewable energy technologies.
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