COPPER SEMINAR: Codelco starts lithium exploration, seeking JVs, chairman says

March 13, 2021 / www.metalbulletin.com / Article Link

Chilean state-owned copper miner Codelco is exploring for lithium at the Maricunga salt flat, the second-largest in the country in terms of reserves, and is continuing to seek options for the area's future development, including joint ventures, the company's chairman has said.

The miner received permission to explore from the Environmental Assessment Commission of Atacama, where the salt flat is located, last year.
"Salar de Maricunga is in the Nevado Tres Cruces national park. A at the moment we're in an exploration phase in areas where it's possible to do so, taking care of the environmental area around the salar," Juan Benavides said.
The company expects to see the first results of this exploration in 2022 and will then proceed with a prefeasibility study on the project, he said during an interview at the virtual Fastmarkets Copper Seminar.

"It's a big salar,...

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