From August 31, 2022, interested companies will be able to apply to materialize investments that allow adding value to lithium products acquired at a preferential price and with guaranteed supply until 2030.
Corfo, the Chilean agency for economic development, will open a new call for national and foreign companies to present proposals for the production of value-added lithium products in the country.
The foregoing, in response to the public interest in promoting initiatives in the direction of developing manufacturing that allows progress in the lithium value chain.
As of August 31, 2022, companies that have experience, verifiable technical and financial capabilities, will be able to apply.
The foregoing, to access lithium carbonate and hydroxide produced by SQM Salar SA at favorable prices. This, in addition to ensuring a supply until 2030, as stipulated in the contracts signed with Corfo.
The preferential price will correspond to the weighted average FOB (Free on Board) price calculated on the 20% of the volume exported by SQM Salar SA with the lowest price in the last six months available.
Corfo plans to promote lithium
With this call, Corfo invites companies seeking to become specialized producers of lithium products with added value in Chile.
The foregoing, to develop and produce precursors and/or cathode material, lithium cathodes, lithium battery components, metallic lithium, among other applications.
As of Wednesday, August 31, 2022, interested companies will be able to learn more about this call through the Corfo website www.corfo.cl
It should be noted that according to an analysis by JP Morgan, between now and 2028 Argentina would take away from Chile its position as the world’s second largest lithium producer (first place belongs to Australia).
This is due to the rapid steps taken by the neighboring country and the alliances with Chinese and Korean companies.
The information collected by Financial Journal, explained that Argentina would produce in six more years “316 kilotonnes (kT) of lithium carbonate equivalent over the 303 kT forecast for Chile”.