Chile Receives 3 Bids to Develop Lithium Reserves
Chile’s government said Friday that three companies have submitted bids to develop lithium reserves in the country’s northern region.
One of the bidders was Posco Consortium, made up of South Korean firms Posco and Daewoo International Corporation, Japan’s Mitsui and Santiago-based Li3 Energy.
The other two were the Chilean firms Sociedad Legal Minera NX UNO de Peine, controlled by Grupo Errazuriz; and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile.
SQM is the world’s leading lithium producer and one of only two companies – along with Rockwood Holdings – that mine lithium in the Andean nation, the world’s largest producer of the metal.
“We’ve steadily reached each goal we’ve set for ourselves in opening the lithium market. In the coming days, we’ll know the winner of the CEOL (Special Lithium Operation Contract),” Deputy Mining Secretary Pablo Wagner said at a press conference.
That winner “will help us inject more competition and innovation into this sector. This is a unique moment for Chile. It’s an opportunity we can’t miss,” he said.
A total of 66 companies had acquired the auction conditions, Wagner said, adding that the three bidders met the government’s requirements.
“All of the companies were rated and positively evaluated. The only decision in awarding (the contract) is the best economic offer,” the deputy secretary said.
The economic characteristics of each bid and the winner of the concession will be unveiled on Sept. 24.
The winner of the bid process will sign a 20-year CEOL with the government covering exploration and production of that mineral in Chile’s Atacama Desert.
President Sebastian Piñera’s conservative administration opted for that type of contract because, although Chile’s 1973 Mining Code defines lithium as a “strategic” mineral for which regular mining concessions cannot be awarded, the country’s constitution allows special contracts to be signed to exploit those reserves.
Through the CEOLs, the government plans to collect $350 million per project via a 7 percent sales royalty.
Chile’s opposition and experts have questioned the government’s move to open lithium mining to foreign investment, saying it is a resource that should be developed by the state.
Global demand for lithium – a key component in batteries for mobile devices and electric/hybrid vehicles – has tripled over the past 10 years, while Chile’s Cochilco state copper commission says the price of lithium carbonate on world markets has risen from $2,000 per ton in 2001 to around $6,000 per ton at present.
Chile holds the planet’s second-largest lithium reserves, trailing only neighboring Bolivia.
Published in Notitas de Noticias
2012-09-15 21:21:48
Source:
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
