Chile’s State-run mining giant, Codelco, remains committed to engaging with local communities regarding lithium mining in the Atacama salt flat, CEO Ruben Alvarado affirmed on Tuesday.
This comes after several indigenous groups broke off talks with the company and SQM, the Chilean lithium miner, the day before.
Despite the setback, Alvarado acknowledged the complexity of the negotiations, which delve into historical issues and community concerns.
Indigenous communities have long voiced grievances about the lack of investment from the mining industry and government, feeling marginalized in decision-making processes.
The Chilean government pledged to facilitate dialogue with the Atacama Indigenous Council last year to seek consensus on lithium mining in the region.
Alvarado stressed Codelco’s commitment to collaboration with communities, emphasizing the importance of addressing social issues.
As Chile seeks to increase state control over lithium production for electric vehicle batteries, Codelco’s relationship with local communities is under scrutiny.
Concerns over water supply in the Atacama salt flat have heightened tensions, prompting direct engagement from Codelco’s chairman, Maximo Pacheco.
The recent breakdown in talks follows a protest in December over the Codelco-SQM deal, with indigenous groups feeling sidelined in the negotiations.
Their blockade of roads disrupted operations, underscoring the ongoing challenges in balancing mining interests with community concerns.
