Unlocking Chile’s Lithium: Boric’s Legacy and the Future of Supply

10/12/2025 20 min Temporada 1 Episodio 12

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Episode Synopsis

Chilean President Gabriel Boric is nearing the end of his term. One of Boric’s signature achievements was his National Lithium Strategy — an effort to open new areas for lithium production and reshape how Chile manages one of the world’s most important critical minerals.I’m joined by Ignacio Mehech, CEO of CleanTech Lithium and formerly Country Manager for Albemarle in Chile. Ignacio offers an insider’s view on what Boric’s strategy was really trying to achieve — and what may change under the next administration.The company plans to re-apply for a special lithium operating contract ("CEOL") for its Laguna Verde project in Chile. We dig into the strict new technological requirements, including the mandated use of Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE), a process that could make Chilean lithium far more sustainable but is not yet proven at large scale.With decades of experience in the sector, Ignacio is the perfect guide to Chile’s next chapter in lithium.

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