Chile’s state-owned mining company, ENAMI, has announced that its Salares Altoandinos project could boost the nation’s lithium resources by 28%. The revelation came during CESCO Week 2025, a prominent gathering for mining industry leaders. The estimate stems from an exploration campaign and resource assessment by consultancy Amphos 21, with validation from Montgomery & Associates. The project encompasses the La Isla and Aguilar salt flats in the Antofagasta region of northern Chile, holding a combined 3.05 million tonnes (mt) of lithium.

Salar La Isla’s resources surged by 150% to 2.13mt of lithium, while Salar Aguilar saw a 40% rise to 920,000t.

Salar La Isla’s lithium resources have risen by 150% to 2.13 mt, while Salar Aguilar’s resources increased by 40% to 920,000 tonnes. ENAMI’s executive vice-president, Iván Mlynarz, underscored the significance: “These results are important because we are moving from potential resources to certified and reviewed by a third party, and this confirms that Salares Altoandinos is a global project.” Chile currently has 11 mt of lithium resources, mainly from Salar de Atacama, according to the United States Geological Survey, making this addition substantial.

The Salares Altoandinos initiative, which also includes Salar Grande, is nearing the final stage of selecting a development partner. Mlynarz noted: “These are important data to keep in mind because we are weeks away from establishing the public-private partnership for this project that will bring lithium to the country from the Atacama Region.” Companies from various nations, including BYD Chile (China), Eramet Chile (France), Posco Holdings (South Korea), and Rio Tinto Mining and Exploration (Australia and England), are engaged in discussions. CNGR Advanced Material and LG Energy Solution have also expressed interest in providing financial support.

A critical step forward involves submitting a Special Operation Agreement (Contrato Especial de Operación) to Chile’s Comptroller General of the Republic for approval, following a completed indigenous consultation process. This partnership will enhance Chile’s lithium output, supporting global demand for this key battery material. In a related development, Chile’s national development agency, Corfo, launched a program in January 2025 to extract strategic minerals like cobalt and rare earth elements from mining waste, further diversifying the country’s resource efforts.

The Salares Altoandinos project strengthens Chile’s position in the lithium market, leveraging certified resources and international collaboration. With its completion on the horizon, the initiative promises economic growth and a bolstered supply of lithium from the Atacama Region, aligning with global sustainable energy trends.