Codelco and SQM Initiate Collaboration with the Ministry of Science on Technological Innovation in Lithium

Codelco and SQM emphasized that the public-private partnership will leverage Chile's advantages in this resource, strengthening knowledge and collaboration with universities and academic groups.

Technological innovation will play a strategic role in the upcoming development of the lithium industry, according to the guidelines established by the National Lithium Strategy promoted by the current government. Aware of the importance of this, representatives from Codelco and SQM met with the Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, Aisén Etcheverry, in the first public-private collaboration meeting on the subject.

"This cooperation aims to design a future where the development of lithium production also considers environmental protection and enables sustainable work with communities and the development of territories," explained Minister Etcheverry after the meeting.

To achieve this, she emphasized that "strengthened universities, research and development, the work of different actors, and many capacities of public goods are required, which the State must provide for this articulation to be effective and projected into the future."

In this context, Máximo Pacheco, chairman of the board of Codelco, highlighted Chile's leading role in energy transition, specifically in lithium for electromobility, and the need for further research. "It's a tremendous opportunity for our country to advance knowledge in the area of salt flats and lithium. We are deeply committed to this task, and collaboration between the State, universities, communities in the territory, and private and public companies is essential," he stated.

"This country is blessed with natural resources, and for them to be transformed into wealth for the country without affecting the environment and adding value to communities and the surroundings, research and development are fundamental. With the minister and her team, we are perfectly coordinated in what is necessary: strengthening both public and private universities in the north, because we need outstanding professionals, and bolstering cooperation between companies and the State," emphasized SQM's General Manager, Ricardo Ramos.