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Chile Launches NovaAndino Litio, a CodelcoSQM Venture to Run Atacama Lithium Through 2060

Regulatory clearance sets up a model that lifts the state’s take to 85% from 2031.

Overview

  • The new company held its first board meeting on December 29, electing Máximo Pacheco as president and Ricardo Ramos as vice president.
  • Carlos Díaz was appointed chief executive and Eduardo Foix finance manager, ensuring operational continuity from SQM’s lithium unit.
  • Codelco holds 50% plus one share with a six‑member board split evenly; SQM has greater voting influence in the early years, with Codelco taking administrative control from 2031.
  • Production plans call for about 300,000 tonnes of additional lithium carbonate equivalent between 2025 and 2030, then annual output stabilizing at 280,000–300,000 tonnes through 2060.
  • All Atacama lithium assets and contracts are consolidated under NovaAndino, operating under Corfo agreements until 2031 after extensive regulatory and judicial reviews and an indigenous consultation process.