Chile unveils public-private model to share vast lithium riches with mining industry

Chile’s government delivered its long-awaited lithium development policy in which the state will partner with companies in projects to tap more of the world’s biggest reserves of the battery metal.

President Gabriel Boric announced the new model in a national television address late Thursday. Initially, state copper giant Codelco will sign up partners for new contracts. That role would then be undertaken by a dedicated national lithium company.