Chile’s state-owned mining company, Codelco, has announced plans to begin exploration work for lithium in the Pedernales salt flat in the second half of this year. The initiative was revealed by Codelco’s president, Máximo Pacheco, as part of the country’s national policy on lithium.
Under President Gabriel Boric’s government, Codelco has been tasked with increasing control over strategic salt flats like Atacama and Maricunga through partnerships with the private sector. However, in salt flats like Pedernales, Codelco will have more flexibility to form alliances with varying levels of participation and control structures.
The goal of expanding its presence in lithium exploration is to strengthen Chile’s position in the global market for electric vehicle batteries. Codelco’s efforts align with the government’s objective of maximizing the country’s lithium resources for sustainable economic development. With this move, Chile aims to secure its role as a key player in the electric battery industry while also promoting responsible and sustainable mining practices.
