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Codelco pushes Maricunga lithium start to 2034, four-year delay

Codelco said production is now expected in 2034, extending the earlier 2030 target by four years as permitting and environmental steps remain a hurdle.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Mining

Chile’s state-owned copper producer Codelco said it now expects production from its Maricunga lithium project to begin in 2034, pushing the start date back by four years from the 2030 target set by the prior government.

Chairman Bernardo Fontaine said the project remains eight years away, extending the timeline for one of Chile’s flagship battery metals developments.

Codelco is developing Maricunga through a 2025 partnership with Rio Tinto, as Chile seeks to expand lithium production through state-led partnerships while reducing reliance on established private-sector producers SQM and Albemarle.

The company said the delay underscores the lengthy permitting, consultation, and environmental processes facing new lithium projects, even as long term demand for the battery metal is expected to grow.

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