Minister Grau stressed the importance of dialogue with companies, stating, «When you understand the leading role of public-private collaboration, you also understand that building trust is crucial to this strategy.» He also reiterated the administration’s interest in sustainably expanding Chile’s lithium production while respecting the environment and communities in a way that adds value in order to ensure greater benefits for the Chilean people.
«We still have a very important space to increase production, but it is fundamental for our government that this increase is not detrimental to the environment. And that is why the strategy proposes two main paths, so that both points are compatible. The first has to do with promoting certain technological changes in the way lithium is extracted, and the second is about ensuring a network of protected salt flats,» he explained.
He also reviewed the strategy time frames, particularly the salt flat survey and exploration scheduled for this year, which will determine which salt flats will be protected and which may be mined by State-associated companies, opening up new investment opportunities. The administration has announced that it will protect 30% of the salt flat surface area to preserve environmental balance.
The InvestChile has announced an October roadshow in Asia, with activities in Korea, Japan and China, to expand the number of companies interested in participating in Chile’s lithium industry. In December, the destination will be the United States, with activities in at least two cities.