CleanTech Lithium PLC (CTL), an exploration and development company advancing sustainable lithium projects in Chile, has announced that Expressions of Interest (RFIs) for a total of five lithium projects have been submitted for the Chilean Government to review.
The company must follow this process to be awarded a Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL) to produce lithium.
Separately, CTL has renamed its second flagship project Francisco Basin to Viento Andino to highlight the fact that this asset lies outside of a National Park with a similar name.
The company's subsidiaries, Atacama Salt Lakes SpA, CLS Chile SpA and CleanTech Antofagasta SpA, have submitted RFIs to the Chilean Government in-line with the updated CEOL application procedure, part of the National Lithium Strategy.
It is expected that the Chilean government will release an update on the RFIs process on or around 9th July 2024, in which the government will elaborate on how projects are expected to move forward with the process leading to the award of a CEOL, a key contract required to becoming a new lithium producer in Chile.
RFIs have been submitted for CTL's two most advanced projects, Laguna Verde and Viento Andino, previously known as Francisco Basin, and three additional RFIs have been submitted for projects in partnership with other parties which are subject to confidentiality.
The award in due course of CEOLs will help CTL secure investment for the construction of the Projects thus contributing to the future supply of sustainable lithium from Chile.
"We are very pleased to confirm the Expressions of Interest have been submitted to the Chilean government ahead of the deadline set by the Ministry of Mining,” said CTL executive chairman Steve Kesler.
“Submissions were made in respect of our two advanced wholly owned projects and three new prospective projects as joint ventures. We have highlighted the significant investment we have already made across our lithium projects, the positive progress with DLE and our established engagement with local communities.
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This is another positive step from CleanTech Lithium, which inaugurated a direct lithium extraction pilot plant at Copiapó at the end of last month. Companies with the ability to deploy this technology are few and far between, and this, combined with the good working relationships that CleanTech has established with locals at every level ought to stand it in good stead when it comes to these new applications. An improvement in the lithium price would be the icing on the cake, but many commentators think that’s coming. So watch this space.