Here are the facts - there are a LOT of competing interests for scare natural resources on and near to the Atacama salar. Albemarle just had its EIA for its new 42.5k BG LCE plant knocked on the head by the Chilean Regulator, for now. The Chilean Government through CORFO, leases mining rights to Albemarle and SQM and there has been ongoing battles in and out of court between all stakeholders for many years - it is NOT a healthy relationship.
Mmmmmmmmmmmm, meanwhile over at the Maricunga, LPI/MSB/BRZ are beavering away quietly, having lodged their 11,400 page EIA - apparently the most comprehensive environmental assessment in Chilean environmental regulatory history. AND the Chilean Government is wanting an entree for Codelco into the lithium industry. Developing and MAINTAINING a productive working relationship with the Chilean Government and potentially Codelco, will secure LPI's future in the global lithium industry.
Albemarle is seeking greater diversification and less political risk and just stumped up nearly $1.6 billion Aussie for 50% of Wodinga in WA. The Albemarle equity buy-in at Wodinga provides a benchmark for world-class lithium projects. The pending Maricunga DFS will provide extra guidance about the true value of Maricunga and what investors should pay to take an equity stake in the Maricunga project.
People on this site continue to whinge about LPI and its lack of announcements. LPI doesn't need to be get in front of a camera, twitter or release puff piece announcements on a regular basis. It is delivering what really counts in developing a world-class mineral resource asset - tangible project milestones, one after the other. Not long until 2019 and BIG THINGS for LPI and construction of a world-class, German-engineered processing plant is scheduled for early 2020, just over 12 months away.
Patience required. Onwards and upwards. Good times ahead.
