CleanTech Lithium PLC (AIM:CTL, OTCQB:CTLHF) said it is open to inviting Chile's state mining company ENAMI to become a minority partner in its two projects in the country.
Atacama Salt Lakes and Laguna Negro Francisco, CleanTech's subsidiaries in Chile, have submitted applications for special operation contracts (CEOL) for the Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin projects.
CleanTech added these are the first CEOL applications to have been made in Chile since the announcement of the National Lithium Strategy in April 2023 and follow discussions with government representatives and other stakeholders.
In the applications, CleanTech states that it is open to inviting ENAMI to become a partner in both projects on terms in line with other joint venture arrangements the state-owned entity has in the mining sector in Chile.
Aldo Boitano, CleanTech Lithium’s chief executive, said: "Following presentations on the National Lithium Strategy by Ministers, the government has been clear on the need for establishing public-private partnerships to grow the lithium industry.
“Due to our progress to date, we believe it is the right time for CleanTech Lithium to apply for the operating contracts for Laguna Verde and Francisco Basin.
“We are open to inviting ENAMI to join CTL as a minority partner as part of the new public-private partnership strategy and believe this would be beneficial for all parties.”