Politics
AGUILAR, ALTOANDINOS, AMPHOS 21, ANTOFAGASTA, ASIA, ATACAMA, ATACAMA REGION, AUSTRALIA, CHILE, CHINA, CUBA, ENAMI, ENERGY, ENGLAND, EUROPE, FRANCE, INDUSTRY, IVAN MLYNARZ, IVÁN MLYNARZ, LA ISLA, MEXICO, MINING, MLYNARZ, MONTGOMERY & ASSOCIATES, NORTH AMERICA, OCEANIA, PHILIPPINES, RENEWABLE ENERGY, REPUBLIC, SAL, SALAR AGUILAR, SALAR DE ATACAMA, SALAR GRANDE, SALAR LA ISLA, SALARES ALTO, SALARES ALTOANDINOS, SOUTH AMERICA, SOUTH KOREA, SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, UNITED STATES, UNITED STATES GEOLOGICAL SURVEY
Clara Montgomery
Significant Increase in Chile’s Lithium Reserves: ENAMI Reports 28% Growth
Chile’s lithium reserves are now estimated to be 28% higher due to the Salares Altoandinos project, which has confirmed 3.05 million tonnes of lithium resources. Major increases were reported from Salar La Isla and Salar Aguilar. The project is nearing a public-private partnership and involves international companies, with upcoming submissions for governmental approval crucial to its progression.
Recent studies indicate that Chile’s lithium reserves may be 28% greater than previously estimated. The national mining company, ENAMI, disclosed this information regarding its Salares Altoandinos project during CESCO Week 2025. The data, which emerged from an extensive exploration campaign and resource estimate by Amphos 21 in collaboration with Montgomery & Associates, suggests significant increases in lithium resources.
The Salares Altoandinos project, located in the northern Antofagasta region and encompassing the La Isla and Aguilar salt flats, is estimated to contain 3.05 million tonnes of lithium. Specifically, resources at Salar La Isla experienced a remarkable 150% increase, reaching 2.13 million tonnes, while Salar Aguilar witnessed a 40% rise to 920,000 tonnes. ENAMI’s executive vice-president, Iván Mlynarz, emphasized the importance of these results, stating that the project has moved towards certified resources confirmed by a third party.
Currently, Chile’s lithium resources, primarily sourced from Salar de Atacama, are estimated at 11 million tonnes according to the United States Geological Survey. Furthermore, the Salares Altoandinos project is in the final stages of selecting a development partner, with Mlynarz highlighting the imminent establishment of a public-private partnership to facilitate lithium extraction from Atacama Region.
Negotiations involving potential partners are underway with companies from various countries, including China, France, South Korea, England, and Australia. Notable participants include BYD Chile, Eramet Chile, Posco Holdings, and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration, with interests also shown by CNGR Advanced Materials and LG Energy Solution in potential financing. A crucial step for the project will be submitting a Special Operation Agreement to the Comptroller General for approval, following a successful indigenous consultation process.
In a related development, Chile’s national development agency, Corfo, initiated an effort in January 2025 aimed at enhancing the extraction of strategic minerals such as cobalt and rare earth elements from mining waste, further illustrating Chile’s commitment to advancing its mining sector.
In summary, recent studies have revealed a significant increase in Chile’s lithium reserves, primarily due to the Salares Altoandinos project. With substantial increases in estimated resources, the project is poised for development through potential public-private partnerships. The strategic involvement of international companies underscores the project’s global significance, and the submission of a Special Operation Agreement is an essential next step. This development occurs alongside broader initiatives to enhance the extraction of strategic minerals in Chile.
Original Source: www.mining-technology.com
Post Comment