Chile Expands Lithium Mining, Reserves Key Flats for State Control

In a significant policy shift, Chile opens numerous lithium salt flats to private investment while maintaining state majority control over the Atacama and Maricunga flats, aiming to double lithium production.

• Chile's government has opened 26 lithium salt flats to private investment, aiming to boost the country's lithium production.
• The Atacama and Maricunga salt flats, known for their high lithium concentration, will remain under state majority control.
• Finance Minister Mario Marcel predicts the policy could double Chile's lithium production within a decade.
• A tender process for the open flats is set to conclude in July, with some projects requiring local indigenous community approval.
• Environmental protection measures will be applied to 30% of the salt flats, with specific areas yet to be determined.

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