Friday, May 30, 2025

Latest

Chile’s SQM Suspends Lithium Operations Amidst Atacama Salt Flat Protests

Chile’s SQM, the world’s second-largest lithium producer, has halted operations at the Atacama salt flat in Chile as indigenous groups block public roads leading to the world’s largest lithium deposit. The road blockades have disrupted mining activities, affecting SQM and American firm Albemarle, both major players in extracting lithium from the region.

In a statement released on Saturday, SQM expressed uncertainty about the duration of the road blockades and the financial impact of the operational stoppage. The company stated, “Since we do not know how long the road blockade will continue, it is not possible for us to estimate the financial impact of the stoppage.”

The Atacama salt flat, known for hosting the world’s largest lithium deposit, has been at the center of protests led by indigenous groups. Demonstrators have obstructed public roads, impeding the movement of workers, supplies, and lithium extraction from the area.

The Atacama Indigenous Council indicated a potential resolution on Saturday, announcing that protesters would end the occupation following assurances from the mining ministry. The ministry pledged that President Gabriel Boric would visit the area to address concerns. As of now, it remains unclear whether protesters have vacated the region as of Sunday.

These protests were triggered by an agreement inked last month between SQM and state-run copper firm Codelco. Indigenous leaders argue that the agreement sidelined local communities, contrary to a recent government promise to engage in a dialogue regarding lithium mining in the Atacama region.

The suspension of operations underscores the vulnerability of lithium production, a crucial component in the manufacturing of electric vehicle batteries. With Chile being a significant global player in the lithium market, any disruptions in production have the potential to impact the global supply chain.


Information for this briefing was found via Investing.com and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

How To Profit From $3300 Gold? An Inside Look At A Massive 300,000 Oz Project | Martino De Ciccio

We’re At The Start of a Great Silver Boom | Ross McElroy & Andy Bowering – Apollo Silver Corp

Equinox Gold Q1 Earnings: When Everything Goes Wrong

Recommended

ESGold Begins Concentration Tests Ahead Of First Production

Sterling Metals Hits 0.21% Copper Over 482.8 Metres In First Drilling At Soo Copper project

Related News

Noram Ventures Looks To Use Chloride-Based Leaching For Lithium Clay Extraction

Noram Ventures (TSXV: NRM) is looking to advance its Zeus lithium project in Clayton Valley,...

Thursday, January 14, 2021, 09:02:36 AM

Fastmarkets Proposes US and Canada Lithium Price Assessments Post-IRA

The cross-commodity price reporting agency Fastmarkets, has announced a proposal to adjust its lithium price...

Tuesday, February 13, 2024, 03:01:00 PM

Spearmint Resources Encounters Claystone Over 171 Metres In First Drill Hole

Spearmint Resources (CSE: SPMT) continues to intersect lithium on its flagship McGee Lithium Project in...

Friday, January 21, 2022, 08:17:18 AM

Nemaska – Ugh, We May Need More Money

Today Nemaska Lithium (TSXV: NMX, NMX.W, OTCMKTS: NMKEF) announced in a news release the following:...

Wednesday, February 13, 2019, 10:51:01 PM

Soldera Mining Closes On Acquisition Of Lithium Explorer And Green Energy Tech

Soldera Mining (CSE: SOLD) this morning closed on its acquisition of AmTek, a junior lithium...

Thursday, April 1, 2021, 08:39:40 AM