Chile’s state-owned productive development agency, Corfo, has awarded funding to two research and development projects aimed at advancing direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies and rare earth recovery. The initiatives, backed by up to US$5.8 million in total funding, are set to strengthen mining innovation and open new business avenues within the industry.
The first project, receiving up to US$1.9 million, will focus on identifying DLE technologies applicable to brines from Chilean salt flats and saline lagoons. Over a maximum period of two years, the National Center for Mining Technology Piloting (CNP), in collaboration with the Catholic University of Chile, the University of Chile, state-owned Enami, and the Chilean Nuclear Energy Commission, will design a testing platform and validate these technologies. This initiative underscores Chile’s commitment to leveraging its vast lithium resources, particularly in the Salar de Atacama, one of the world’s largest lithium deposits.
The second project, with a funding cap of US$3.9 million, will concentrate on developing rare earth recovery solutions over three years. The initiative will validate leaching and bioleaching processes under the supervision of the CNP, with the participation of Enami, Compañía Minera del Pacífico, the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and the University of Chile. Corfo highlighted the project’s significance, noting that Chile possesses substantial quantities of vanadium, cobalt, and rare earth elements in mining liabilities. This project could transform environmental liabilities into economic assets by recovering metals and minerals from previously discarded low-grade deposits, aligning with the principles of the circular economy.
Both projects fall under Corfo’s “R&D Challenges” calls, launched over a year ago, which co-finance up to 80% of the total cost of each project. The funding for these initiatives comes from resources generated by leasing mining concessions in the Salar de Atacama. According to Corfo, these projects will facilitate the generation of applied knowledge, maturation of technologies tailored to Chilean conditions, and early technical evidence to support decision-making in the mining ecosystem.
The focus on DLE technologies and rare earth recovery reflects a broader trend in the mining industry towards sustainability and innovation. As global demand for lithium and rare earth elements continues to grow, driven by the expansion of electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies, Chile is positioning itself as a key player in the supply chain. The development of these technologies could not only enhance the efficiency and environmental performance of mining operations but also create new economic opportunities and value from secondary mining activities.
Moreover, the collaboration between public, academic, and productive sectors in these projects highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing complex challenges in the mining industry. By integrating technological capabilities and expertise from various fields, these initiatives aim to drive innovation and foster a more sustainable and competitive mining sector in Chile.
The outcomes of these projects could have significant implications for the global mining industry. Successful validation and implementation of DLE technologies could revolutionize lithium extraction processes, making them more efficient and environmentally friendly. Similarly, advancements in rare earth recovery could unlock new sources of these critical materials, reducing dependence on traditional mining methods and enhancing supply chain resilience.
In conclusion, Corfo’s funding of these R&D projects underscores Chile’s commitment to innovation and sustainability in the mining sector. As the projects progress, they are expected to generate valuable insights and technologies that could shape the future of mining, not only in Chile but also on a global scale. The focus on DLE and rare earth recovery aligns with the growing demand for these materials and the need for more sustainable and efficient extraction methods. The collaboration between various stakeholders in these projects highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in driving innovation and addressing the complex challenges facing the mining industry.