09
The Codelco–SQM agreement guarantees sustainable production in the Atacama Salt Flat
True. The Salar Futuro project will produce more lithium with less net brine use and no continental water.
The joint venture will be responsible for designing and developing a new production project that incorporates new technologies to move toward a water balance, improve lithium recovery, and meet the highest environmental standards.
“Salar Futuro” is SQM’s future operations project in the Atacama Salt Flat. It will be a joint initiative with Codelco and will be submitted for Environmental Evaluation by the new company.
The goal is to achieve more efficient and sustainable lithium production — with water efficiency, clean energy use, and advanced technologies.
The project also includes seven design commitments:
- stopping the use of continental water
- reducing net brine extraction
- implementing new technologies
- establishing a governance model with communities
- protecting local areas
- promoting sustainable local development
- prioritizing clean energy use.
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
