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.
The withdrawal of Chinese companies BYD and Tsingshan from Chilean lithium projects highlights serious bureaucratic and policy failures in the government’s lithium strategy, despite official efforts to downplay the setback.
Australia is investing $5 billion to establish a national strategic reserve of lithium, cobalt, and rare earths, aiming to enhance trade leverage, economic resilience, and national security.