Why Chile’s Lithium Mining Is At A Crossroad

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Published 2023-05-05
Chile contains some of the largest and highest quality lithium brine resources in the world. This soft, white metal is integral to lithium-ion batteries, which power electric vehicles. And with demand for EVs booming, Chile’s vast salt flats have become a vital national resource. Now, the Chilean President Gabriel Boric has released its long-awaited national lithium policy, which requires private companies to partner with the state to further develop the country’s lithium resources, ushering in a new era for the industry. There are two main producers of lithium in Chile, SQM and Albemarle. CNBC visited the Atacama Desert in Chile to see Albemarle’s lithium mine and processing plant to see what is next for the world’s largest lithium producer.

Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction
03:04 - History of lithium in Chile
07:15 - Politics of mining
12:27 - Opposition and concerns
17:34 - What’s next

Produced, Shot and Narration by: Katie Brigham
Supervising Producer: Jeniece Pettitt
Edited by: Amy Marino
Additional Camera: Shawn Baldwin
Animation: Christina Locopo
Translation: David Calderón, Beatriz Bajuelos Castillo
Senior Production Manager: Kathy Mavrikakis
Additional Footage: Getty Images, Albemarle, Archive.org, Government of Chile

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Why Chile’s Lithium Mining Is At A Crossroad

All Comments (21)
  • It makes no sense that one commentator suggested that Chile should wait until it had more electric vehicles before making batteries. It should prioritize that part of the supply chain now to get an advantage before others take the lead. Go Chile!
  • @gamf5996
    I mean that’s always been the story latin america is “not ready” to move towards downstream activities and never will according to them, but downstream and added value manufacturing transitioning from raw materials to production has been what has developed countries like japan, korea, and now china.
  • As a Chilean citizen it is possible to observe a new great opportunity and the beginning of another mining cycle, which has defined our economy forever, from saltpeter, through copper and now lithium. I only hope that we can find the balance between ecology and a fair international policy (economy), which is where we citizens are affected.
  • I'm from Australia and refining Lithium is such a polluting exercise, I'm not sure any country does it properly just yet. Caution on going grand scale as what you end up paying may be much more than what the country receives.
  • @nikodechela1
    The reporter said thay they didn't see any electric vehicles, but they didn't look for busses. Because Chile has the largest electric buses fleet in the region, more than three times the number of USA
  • @farner01
    Good for Chile. Make those companies pay but reinvest in real infrastructure, schools, hospitals, whatever the people need.
  • @ruidos38
    I just hope that lithium allows Chile to get out of underdevelopment and that the opportunities that this country deserves are created. We are tired of only a few families living like Europeans or North Americans, decades ago we should have done something with copper and it was not done. I hope that this time lithium will add value. our rulers and legislators have made this country the cradle of political favors and have forgotten the people who for generations have expected radical changes in Chile
  • @derred723
    Seems like they are looking out for the people over corporations. In that i'm all for it.
  • @RDKirbyN
    I for one welcome the re-emergence of the Southern Cone. Hopefully they don't get CIA-Pinochet'd again.
  • @Donnld
    i think its great when a main source of income from a certain industry in any country pays its taxes with little to no fraud or corruption its the best way to modernize a nation
  • Chile needs to do whatever it needs to develop its own economy, for the good of the Chilean people. Its funny to see foreigners suggesting that Chile should not develop its own industries, its like a drug trafficker saying that you should not quit drugs because it will be bad for you, their lies are so funny. Go Chile! Pursue your own destiny!
  • @soujirou86
    Hopefully Chile will have an efficient mixed state owned private industry that can satisfy growing demand, and also increasing chile's tax coffers. Really beautiful country, one of the best in the nation. Best regards from Pumalal, Chile.
  • @DarkStar3147
    Sure, Argentina might take over as the world's 2nd producer, but at the cost of practically giving it away. Why, do you ask? Because money will go to the pockets of politicians, and not the Argentinian people. It has always worked that way, and it sill works the same way. Chile is making sure that the profits stay in the country, and minimizing the impact on the surrounding ecosystem.
  • @Agustin_R
    Excelent report. Interesting and well informed. Well done! Saludos de Chile 🇨🇱
  • @cuba3433
    Quisiera darle las gracias por este interesante video !.