Salares Altoandinos

Salares Altoandinos (lit. "High Andean Saltflats") is a lithium mining project in Diego de Almagro, Atacama Region, Chile.[1]

Structure

The project is a public–private joint venture of National Mining Enterprise (ENAMI) and Rio Tinto, an association that is by contract set to last until 2060.[1] Prior to the selection of Rio Tinto as partner Eramet had made a bid to associate with the Chilean state. The project is estimated to require an investment of US$3,000 million.[1][2] The project could produce from 2032 to 2060 lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at an annual rate of 75,000 metric tons.[3]

The three salt flats to be intervened for the mining of lithium-rich brine are Aguilar, Grande and La Isla.[3]

Disputes

Starting in July 2025 the project has been affected by a legal dispute in Chilean courts between ENAMI and Eramet over access rights in the project area.[3] A similar dispute with Eramet affects Codelco's lithium mining project with Rio Tinto in Salar de Maricunga farther south.[3]