02
There was no public tender to benefit SQM
False. Codelco was not required to carry out a public tender, and the direct deal turned out to be a better business for Chile.
The direct deal with SQM allowed:
(1) the State to access early (before 2031) the economic and knowledge-related benefits that wouldn’t have been otherwise available in time;
(2) a rapid increase in lithium production by 300,000 tons between 2025 and 2030;
(3) continuity of lithium production, avoiding the operational and economic risk of the “production valley”, estimated to last between 3 and 6 years;
(4) the contribution of key assets and rights for lithium production, such as the El Carmen chemical plant, infrastructure at the Atacama Salt Flat, and environmental permits;
(5) guaranteed expertise in lithium production;
(6) the ability to respond swiftly and effectively to current global challenges.
The Codelco–SQM agreement is a good deal for Chile
There was no public tender to benefit SQM
Codelco will control lithium production
SQM has complete freedom to exploit all the lithium it wants
SQM is the best partner for Codelco
The State gains little from the agreement
Was lithium sold cheaply to SQM?
This agreement was made behind closed doors
The Codelco–SQM agreement guarantees sustainable production in the Atacama Salt Flat
