Javier Milei and Emmanuel Macron strengthened Argentina–France cooperation on lithium and copper extraction, nuclear energy, and the Mercosur–EU trade deal during a meeting at the UN Ocean Conference in Nice, despite their opposing views on climate change.
In response to global supply risks, the European Union has launched an ambitious plan to mine, process, and recycle its own critical raw materials — but can it balance independence with sustainability?
With Argentina’s federal government halting new public works under President Javier Milei, oil and mining companies — backed by provincial governors — are pushing for privatized infrastructure development to sustain Vaca Muerta, lithium mining, and agriculture.
Chile’s National Lithium Strategy is facing criticism from environmentalists and local leaders who say it prioritizes extraction over protection. Experts warn of fragile ecosystems, missing impact assessments, and lack of Indigenous consultation.
President Boric called Chile’s National Lithium Strategy a historic milestone, positioning Codelco to lead lithium production in the Salar de Atacama.
Published: May 29, 2025 | By: Minener.com Staff Canadian mining company Wealth Minerals has announced it will transfer a 5% ownership stake in its Kuska lithium carbonate project to the Indigenous community of Ollagüe in Chile’s Antofagasta region. The agreement also grants the community the right to appoint one of the five members of the
Rio Tinto’s Rincón de Litio becomes Argentina’s first mining project approved under the RIGI incentives. Backed by a $2.7B investment, it will produce 60,000 tons of lithium annually in Salta.
A Chilean congressional committee has recommended annulling the Codelco–SQM lithium partnership, citing lack of transparency, disproportionate profit distribution, and fiscal risks that could cost the state over US$11 billion. The decision intensifies scrutiny of Chile’s flagship lithium policy.
Codelco and Rio Tinto will jointly develop a lithium project in Chile’s Salar de Maricunga, with investments of up to $900 million and a shared vision to deploy sustainable direct lithium extraction technologies.
Despite high-level optimism, the SQM-Codelco lithium partnership faces major hurdles, including regulatory scrutiny over potassium offtake and potential legal actions from Chilean stakeholders.