The world’s largest lithium producers, Albemarle and SQM, submitted proposals in a tender for lithium operation contracts in Chile promoted by the government, revealed a minute published by the Chilean Mining Ministry.
Chile announced the auction process in October to award operating contracts to explore and produce 400,000 tonnes of lithium metal for batteries, in a bid to boost production and meet global demand.
According to the minutes of opening the administrative requirements published on the website, eight firms were presented but finally Lilac Solutions, Consorcio Austral Maricunga and Wealth Minerals Chile were excluded.
Meanwhile, BYD Chile, Albemarle Limitada, Cosayach Caliche, Servicios y Operaciones Mineras del Norte and SQM would continue in the race for the assignments.
During Thursday, the economic offers would be revealed in the Mining Ministry.
In total, the contest considers 400,000 tons of marketable metallic lithium, divided into five individual quotas of 80,000 tons.
The surprise bidding process has been criticized by opponents and the circle close to president-elect Gabriel Boric.
In fact, Compañía Minera Salares del Norte turned to the Tribunal for the Defense of Free Competition (TDLC) to decide whether the bidding rules for this process may violate the rules that protect free competition.
.
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
