The mining giant Rio Tinto and Enami have united their efforts to develop lithium resources strategically.
The world’s second-largest mining group Rio Tinto has taken an important step toward strengthening its global lithium market position by forming a key agreement with Chile’s National Mining Company (Enami). According to the new agreement, Rio Tinto now has permission to start lithium extraction operations at the Salares Altoandinos project in Diego de Almagro commune within Chile’s northern Atacama Region.
Three salt flats named Aguilar, La Isla, and Grande make up this project, which seeks to diversify Chile’s lithium production beyond its existing Salar de Atacama region. The latest announcement signals a new development phase for lithium in Chile through joint public-private partnerships and cutting-edge technological solutions.
Billion-Dollar Investment in Northern Chile
Rio Tinto will make an investment of approximately $3.425 billion to obtain a 51% majority stake under this agreement. The significant investment demonstrates the company’s strong belief in the project’s future success while recognizing Chile’s essential role in worldwide energy change.
Jakob Stausholm announced that the project could evolve into a world-class lithium deposit during the official announcement. Our partnership with Enami shows our commitment to responsible development of a crucial resource that will benefit electric vehicle production and renewable energy storage.
High-Yield Lithium Reserves in a Strategic Region
The Atacama Region in Chile stands out as a lithium giant because of its extensive salt flats laden with lithium brines. The Salares Altoandinos project strengthens strategic positioning through exploration of underdeveloped resources believed to hold high-grade lithium reserves.
Rio Tinto launched its second Chilean project this week. The company finalized an agreement with Chilean state-owned copper giant Codelco to jointly develop a lithium extraction project at Maricunga salt flat, which has the second-highest known lithium concentration in the world. The Maricunga agreement intends to bring advanced technology to Chile, which will enhance its position in the international lithium sector.
Direct Lithium Extraction: A New Technological Standard
The Salares Altoandinos project stands out because it plans to use Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology. DLE technology provides an eco-friendly alternative to traditional evaporation ponds, which take years to operate and cause extensive water depletion in dry regions.
The new technology enables the extraction of lithium from brine without the use of massive evaporation ponds, which leads to a substantial reduction in environmental impact. The DLE process achieves higher lithium extraction efficiency from existing brine resources. The adoption of this method represents an essential move toward sustainable lithium in Chile, especially in environmentally delicate regions such as the Atacama Desert.
Strategic Importance of Lithium in Chile
As renewable energy systems and electric vehicles expand globally, Chilean lithium production stands at the center of national and international policy discussions. The second-largest lithium reserves in the world belong to Chile, which produces less lithium than Australia. Lithium-ion battery production depends on the metal to power electric vehicles as well as smartphones, laptops, and other portable electronic devices.
The government of Chile is working towards diversifying lithium extraction operations beyond the Salar de Atacama and boosting public sector involvement. Enami’s collaboration with Rio Tinto embodies their new strategic direction by focusing on sustainable practices and technological integration while expanding mining operations across multiple geographic regions.
Government Support and Policy Framework
The Chilean government unveiled a National Lithium Strategy that aims to achieve environmental protection, along with economic competitiveness and social responsibility. The government’s strategy to explore and develop lithium resources requires expanding the role of state-owned enterprises such as Codelco and Enami.
The partnership between Rio Tinto and Enami matches the strategic goals of the national program. Officials from Chile’s Ministry of Mining have recognized this project as a driver for local job creation and regional infrastructure development while introducing advanced technologies to a key national industry.
The Chilean government works to promote economic growth while making sure indigenous communities and local stakeholders gain from mining activities. The project’s early-phase implementation will include environmental impact assessments and community consultations as essential steps.
Timeline and Production Expectations
The Salares Altoandinos initiative plans to start operations in 2030 and aims to produce 75,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent annually. The project will greatly increase Chile’s lithium production capacity while strengthening the country’s standing in the expanding global market.
Rio Tinto plans to start initial exploration activities and environmental studies by 2025, while pilot testing of DLE technology is expected to start in 2026. The project has the potential to become a template for other lithium initiatives throughout Latin America, if it proves successful.
Global Expansion of Rio Tinto’s Lithium Portfolio
Rio Tinto has previously entered the lithium mining sector before this venture. The firm operates lithium development projects in Argentina and Serbia, while the Jadar project in Serbia represents one of Europe’s largest discovered lithium deposits. Rio Tinto advances toward becoming a major force in the global lithium supply chain by acquiring operations in Chile.
The company chose to grow its operations in Chile because of the nation’s superior natural resources and rising global demand for dependable, sustainable critical mineral sources. The worldwide competition for lithium access will lead to more partnerships similar to this one becoming more prevalent.
Conclusion: A Turning Point for Lithium in Chile
The collaboration of Rio Tinto with Enami marks a pivotal moment for lithium in Chile. The country stands ready to extend its leadership position in global lithium production due to large financial investments and government support, along with advanced technology.
The project represents a new age of collaboration between global mining enterprises and Chile’s state agencies to responsibly harness the value of the nation’s abundant natural resources alongside global sustainability targets.