On Thursday, Chile's National Mining Company ENAMI announced that twelve companies, including global mining company Rio Tinto and Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD, have submitted proposals to exploit lithium in the Altoandinos salt flats of Chile.
The salt flats located in the northern Atacama region are among the areas where the Chilean government plans to increase lithium production by launching new projects in collaboration with national partners.
ENAMI launched the recruitment of partners in May, seeking partners to provide funding support or operational assistance for the Altoandinos salt flats, with the equity ratio yet to be determined.
In addition to Rio Tinto and BYD, applicants include French listed mining company Eramet, South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution, South Korean steel company Posco, and Chilean construction group Belsaco.
Other applicant companies include Argentina’s Tecpetrol, Russia’s Axionit, Canada’s Summit Nanotech, Chile’s Grupo Errazuriz, as well as China’s CNRG and a consortium named BTR.
Chile is the world's second-largest producer of lithium, a crucial material for electric vehicle batteries.
ENAMI will announce on August 19 which companies meet eligibility requirements, after which negotiations will begin with the shortlisted applicants.
Ivan Mlynarz, CEO of ENAMI, stated in a declaration: "This confirms the commitment of these companies to advance this project through public and private sector partnerships."
ENAMI is responsible for processing copper for local mining companies and has been tasked, alongside national mining giant Codelco, to lead the government's initial foray into lithium mining. Codelco is also seeking partners for the Maricunga salt flats.
