@jczuleta Really? Then why do so many lithium refiners' customers insist on a qualification phase that may well last 6 months, or even longer? And what share does the Chinese spot market have of the total lithium market in China? 10%?
@mineralsmindset Environmentalists know of 119 lithium projects in the western U.S., most of them in Nevada. The link to Google Maps shows you the projects and the names of the lithium explorers. https://t.co/s1GC0W8lul
@jczuleta Quote from SQM annual report. "In 2022, the Company also worked on the expansion of its lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide capacity in Chile, which reached 180,000 metric tons and 30,000 metric tons respectively, by the end of 2022".
@jczuleta It makes no sense for SQM to invest in Chile if the contract that ends in 2030 is not extended. SQM is in a weak negotiating position. They need to become more independent from Chile.
@globallithium With the announced policy it becomes very unattractive to invest in exploration Chile knowing you will have a silent partner who will hold 51% of the asset you might discover.
However, Chinese investors will welcome the opportuinity given that 🇦🇺 and 🇨🇦 have blocked them.
@paola_rojas And this is the response from SQM. Chilean company, contract ends in 6 years, 80% of lithium production in Chile. "... new National Lithium Strategy, which text we are currently analyzing, in the framework of a current contract that we maintain with Corfo" https://t.co/cEwAgmprSn
@paola_rojas ALB CEO is relaxed. US company, current contract ends in 20 years, 80% of lithium production outside Chile. Unfortunately, there was no question about Boric's desire to renegotiate the existing contracts and get the state involved.