Chile’s state-owned mining firm, ENAMI, has shortlisted six international corporations to advance in the bidding process for a significant lithium project in the Altoandinos salt flats, located in the northern Atacama region. This initiative is part of the Chilean government’s broader strategy to enhance lithium production through public-private partnerships.
The companies advancing to the next phase include major industry players such as Rio Tinto, a prominent mining company, and BYD, a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer. Other contenders include France’s Eramet, which holds existing mining concessions at the site, as well as South Korea’s LG Energy and Posco, and China’s CNGR Advanced Material.
ENAMI’s search for a partner, initiated in May, aims to secure either financial investment or operational expertise for the Altoandinos project. The ownership structure of the partnership is yet to be finalized. Initially, twelve companies expressed interest in the project, but only six have met the stringent selection criteria.
Chile, which currently ranks as the world’s second-largest producer of lithium, views this project as crucial for maintaining its competitive edge in the global lithium market. Lithium is an essential element in the production of batteries, particularly for electric vehicles, a sector experiencing rapid growth worldwide.
The next steps involve ENAMI entering into detailed negotiations with the selected companies, providing them with technical information about the lithium deposit. The goal is to establish a formal partnership by March 2025.
“We are making tangible progress in implementing the National Lithium Strategy with the announcement of these companies that have met our high standards,” stated Ivan Mlynarz, ENAMI’s chief executive, in a recent press release.
This project marks one of the first steps in Chile’s broader initiative to leverage its lithium resources, with state mining giant Codelco also seeking partners for a separate project in the Maricunga salt flat. As global demand for lithium continues to rise, Chile’s efforts to increase production are poised to play a key role in the future of sustainable energy and electric transportation.
