Chile is set to cement its position as a global powerhouse in lithium production after China’s antitrust regulator, the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR), approved the landmark partnership between state-owned Codelco and lithium producer SQM.

“This milestone reflects the dedication of hundreds of professionals and managers from both companies,” said Codelco Chairman Máximo Pacheco. “It proves Chile can achieve any goal with collaboration, rigor, and national responsibility.”

The partnership, first announced in December 2023 and formalized in May 2024, has already cleared major regulatory hurdles. Approvals came from Brazil, Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, the European Union, and Chile’s National Economic Prosecutor's Office (FNE) in April 2025.

Chile’s Nuclear Energy Commission (CChEN) has also confirmed lithium extraction quotas from the Atacama Salt Flat through 2060, ensuring long-term operations under a sustainable framework.

The alliance strengthens Chile’s National Lithium Strategy, giving the state strategic control over a key resource for electric mobility and clean energy. For Codelco, it expands beyond copper into the high-growth lithium market. For SQM, it guarantees operational continuity in the Atacama Salt Flat under enhanced sustainability and innovation standards. 

Internationally, the partnership provides a secure, reliable supply of lithium, combining Codelco’s institutional weight with SQM’s technical expertise—a move seen as crucial for the global energy transition.