Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, will launch lithium exploration in March

Chile's state-owned mining company Codelco said Wednesday it will begin lithium exploration at Salar de Maricunga next month, which could provide high-grade reserves of ultralight metal, a key metal
in making batteries for electric vehicles.

Codelco, the world's largest copper producer, received environmental clearance to develop salt flats in November 2020, a move that will help it enter the growing lithium industry
after repeated delays due to its focus on copper.

Codelco said drilling will begin at the end of March and last about 10 months
.
Maricunga has some high-grade lithium deposits, although it is less than 5%
the size of Chile's vast Salar de Atacama, one of the world's major lithium producing regions.

"Based on the results of the activity, in particular the concentration of lithium dissolved in brine from the mining industry, the company will determine whether it is environmentally and economically feasible to continue development," Codelco said
in a statement.

About Salar de Atacama

Chile's Atacama Desert is probably the driest place on Earth
.
In this arid environment, there is a salt flats
called Salar de Atacama.
Although it is located at a higher elevation, Salar de Atacama resembles California's Death Valley and is a flat area
between mountains.

The salt flats are also particularly rich in lithium salts
.
Lithium is used in rechargeable batteries
.
With the increased use of smartphones, mobile computers and electric vehicles, the demand for this soft silver metal is also increasing
.

As can be seen from Landsat images taken in 1993 and 2015, lithium mining activities in Salar de Atacama have expanded
over the years.