In the dash for a non-China centric supply chain for critical minerals, it is no surprise that the long- term relationship between Chile and Australia is once again facilitating significant bilateral exchanges in key future-facing commodities.
His Excellency Jaime Andres Chomali Garib, Chilean Ambassador to Australia, acknowledged that very fact at the 2024 Paydirt Battery Minerals Conference in Perth this afternoon, pointing out Chile and Australia had enjoyed the benefits of sincere diplomatic ties since 1945.
HE Ambassador Chomali said the positive and constructive bilateral relationship between the countries covered trade, investment, education and research, and culture.
His Excellency Jaime Andres Chomali Garib, Chilean Ambassador to Australia (left) speaking to delegates in the final session of the successful 2024 Paydirt Battery Minerals Conference in Perth.
“The Chile and Australia Free Trade Agreement, entered into in 2009, was Australia’s fifth agreement and the first with a Latin American country,” he said.
“We also have an agreement to avoid double taxation signed in 2015. These strong ties between the two countries have created a strong platform for Australian businesses to explore opportunities in Chile, with more than 200 Australian companies operating.
“Chile’s extensive trade agreements and stable economy make it an attractive partner for Australian companies looking to expand their presence in Latin America.”
It was important to note, according to HE Ambassador Chomali, that the exchange was two-sided, with significant investments from Chilean companies in Australia, citing SQM’s major commitment to lithium mining, processing and refining in Western Australia.
He said both countries were major global players in the mining and resource sector, and therefore Chilean expertise and collaboration with Australia was crucial to the development of a resilient global value chain for critical minerals.
“Allow me to say a few words about lithium in Chile. You know better than I, that lithium is an available natural resource [in Chile] and we have the largest business of it in the world today.
“With the rise in demand for electric vehicles and clean energy solutions, Chile’s lithium will serve significantly in shaping the country’s economy and its role in the sustainable development of the energy and transportation sector.
“Chile has the world’s largest reserve and is today the second largest producer of lithium carbonate, after Australia, but in the case of Chile all the lithium comes from brines, which has lower cost opportunities.”
The conference will be held in Perth next week from 16 – 17 April at the Pan Pacific Perth.
The full programme is available at https://www.batterymineralsconference.com/programme/ – or for registration inquiries contact Georgia Tully at georgia@paydirt.com.au.
