Abstract:

A new report by the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and Centro Movilidad Sostenible (CMS) outlines how Chile can move beyond lithium exports to become a regional leader in electric vehicle battery production. The analysis also assesses the GHG emissions intensity, water consumption, and social impacts of lithium mining and battery production in Chile, in addition to opportunities for battery recycling. 

Results of this analysis include the following: Lithium-ion battery demand from BEVs is projected to rise rapidly in Chile. Lithium production capacity in Chile is expected to increase markedly by the end of the decade. Expanding Chile’s current lithium mining and refining capacities to cathode production can provide considerable revenue and job potential. Onshoring battery cell production can provide additional revenue and job potential.