CleanTech Lithium (CTL) , a Chile-focused lithium explorer, has announced a partnership with Colla territorial communities in Chile’s Atacama region for a co-created mining model for lithium extraction in Chile.
This alliance, starting with the Laguna Verde project, prioritises the highest international standards, involves early community consultation, and respects ancestral settlements for sustainable lithium extraction.
Highlights from the partnership include communities assisting in generating Environmental Impact Study (EIS), providing crucial data for baseline measurements and contributing to overall environmental assessments.
CleanTech added that it is committed to continuous information sharing and socio-economic development in the region, aligning with Chilean government priorities
Ercilia Araya Altamirano, Ancestral Authority of the Colla Pai-Ote community, said: "There is no precedent in the history of our territories where the door has been opened for us directly to participate in the design of a mining project to ensure it aligns with the ancestral inhabitants of the territory. This marks a historic milestone in our country, and we assume the responsibility to turn it into a new standard for lithium mining in the future."
The partnership establishes a joint working group for ongoing dialogue, trust-building, and identifying opportunities for local development. CleanTech Lithium pledges financial contributions to indigenous communities, aiming for responsible project development and minimised environmental impact.
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Today’s news highlights CleanTech’s commitment to sustainable lithium projects in Chile. The alliance, which has been formed from early consultation, will initially focus on the development of the Laguna Verde project, which saw a resource upgrade in July of this year. This upgrade provides a strong foundation for the ongoing Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), which is targeted for completion later this year.
CleanTech’s decision to use direct lithium extraction is also advantageous in light of environmental demands of potential industrial customers. DLE is a greener extraction method that minimises aquifer depletion and has a smaller geographical footprint than conventional evaporation brines.
In addition to employing DLE methods, CleanTech has committed to using 100% renewable energy in processing LCE, and is therefore an attractive option for clients, investors, and governments that have set net zero goals.
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