Industry, Mineral Resources Vice Minister Explores Chilean Lithium Production

Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources for Mining Affairs Khalid bin Saleh Al-Mudaifer visited SQM’s Salar de Atacama lithium mine in Chile to explore mining operations and the mine’s advanced capabilities.

With a production capacity reaching 210,000 tons annually, Salar de Atacama’s production constitutes 22% of the lithium produced globally.

During his tour of the mine located in the Atacama Desert in northern Chile, the minister witnessed the modern techniques employed in the mining stages and research and development activities. He was also updated on the mine’s mineral processing improvements and production expansion plans.

Al-Mudaifer also met with Chilean Mining Council (Consejo Minero) chief executive Joaquín Villarino.

The vice minister showcased Saudi Arabia’s efforts to develop the mining sector and highlighted the qualitative opportunities provided by the comprehensive mining strategy, as well as the key potential and incentives offered by the Kingdom to investors.

They discussed the importance of strategic partnerships to meet global mining targets, including energy transition and the provision of necessary resources, as well as the enhancement of sector efficiency through modern technologies.

Al-Mudaifer invited Villarino to participate in the Future Minerals Forum, which Saudi Arabia will host in January 2025. The forum is one of the global initiatives of the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources aimed at improving and sustaining the mining sector.

The vice minister also extended an invitation to major companies affiliated with the Chilean Mining Council to participate in the conference.

Al-Mudaifer met with the deputy head of Molymet company, discussing the available qualitative investment opportunities in the Kingdom's mining sector.

Meeting participants reviewed the company's high capabilities in molybdenum production and the recycling technologies used in copper mines.

Al-Mudaifer's meetings are part of the official visit to Chile and Brazil of Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef, accompanied by a delegation of industry and mining leaders.

The visit aims to enhance bilateral relations in the industrial and mining sectors and explore mutual investment opportunities in the field of mineral production and processing.