Ignacio Mehech CEO CLEANTECH LITHIUM
Can you provide an update on the last 12 months at CleanTech Lithium?
In January 2025, we finalized our pilot testing in Copiapó from the brines of our Laguna Verde project through our pilot plant, before they were transported to the US to produce high-purity lithium carbonate. We have proven our entire process from extraction to the final sellable product through this process.
We have also been advancing our PFS for Laguna Verde and are in the process of appealing the government’s decision against CleanTech Lithium entering the simplified procedure to be granted a Special Lithium Operating Contract (CEOL), which would expedite the permitting process of our project. What does the new National Lithium Strategy mean for CleanTech Lithium?
We are very excited about the opportunities this presents, as it is the first time in two decades that there is an opportunity for junior companies and new entrants into Chile’s lithium market. Is there a possibility of an integrated BEV supply chain in Latin America?
There is an opportunity for this, as seen through the Chilean public sector partnering with companies like Albemarle and SQM, as well as greater incentives provided for downstream collaboration in Chile. Furthermore, outside of China, the only country with substantial lithium carbonate production is Chile. How will CleanTech Lithium ensure sustainable development and production at Laguna Verde?
We will be using Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) to extract lithium and then return the brine to the salt flat or the aquifer. This ensures the water we use is managed properly whether that be recycled or re-injected and our activity will have a much smaller environment impact. This technology, accompanied by our plans to use renewable energy to power the project, ensures that Laguna Verde will have one of the lowest carbon footprints of any lithium project in the world.
Nelson Donoso General Manager ACLARA RESOURCES
Could you update us on the recent performance of Aclara Resources and the Penco Module project?
In Chile, we are currently in the environmental permitting process. Since we intend to begin construction as soon as we obtain the environmental approval, we have been advancing the feasibility engineering for the project. We expect to complete the feasibility study by the end of 2025. Could you explain the ‘Circular Mineral Harvesting’ technology developed by Aclara?
Our project relies on the presence of ion-adsorption clay deposits containing rare earth elements, particularly dysprosium and terbium. In collaboration with the University of Concepción and the University of Toronto, we developed a very gentle chemical leaching process using only ammonium sulfate, a common fertilizer. Through an ion-exchange reaction, the clay releases rare earths in exchange for ammonium ions. We have patented this process, which allows for 99% recycling of the chemicals used and nearly complete recovery of the water. Moreover, the residual clay enables us to rehabilitate mined areas with native forests rather than leaving behind a conventional tailings deposit. What advantages does Chile have in the rare earth market?
Our clays are naturally rich in dysprosium and terbium, highly sought after for permanent magnets. Our patented sustainable chemical process positions us to produce the world's first sustainably sourced rare earths. Conventional ionic clays globally have a neodymium-to-dysprosium-terbium ratio of about 100:1, but automotive magnets need a ratio closer to 10:1. Our resource has a ratio of about 3:1, meaning it can directly support the production of the magnets needed for electric vehicles. Recently, there have been changes to mining concession laws in Chile. How have these impacted Aclara Resources?
As a developer, maintaining protected areas becomes more expensive. We have responded by strategically reducing the size of our protected areas, concentrating on the most promising zones, and diversifying risks between Chile and Brazil while advancing down the value chain.