State majority control of Chile's lithium and a diversification fund amid high copper prices

Guaranteeing that the state-owned mining company Codelco holds a 51% majority stake in partnerships to exploit the Salar de Maricunga is an indispensable safeguard so that lithium rents finance the country's productive diversification.

The Chilean state must ensure that extraction contracts include environmental clauses that protect the water reserves of the Atacameño communities.

Chile must ensure that the exploitation of critical minerals includes strict clauses on the environmental protection of water and industrial technology transfer.

Furthermore, the extraordinary revenues generated by the record copper price of 4.45 USD per pound on international markets should not be spent on temporary tax relief, but should instead fund a Sovereign Fund for Productive Transformation. Taking advantage of high mineral prices would make it possible to finance local scientific research in solar energy and green hydrogen.

Financing public technical education and the development of green industries ensures that the current mining boom translates into lasting development.

Good management by President Kast in ensuring the strategic handling of mineral extraction in Chile.