China Clears Path for SQM-Codelco Chile Lithium Partnership

A landmark lithium deal between Chile’s SQM and state-owned Codelco cleared its final major hurdle with China granting conditional approval, paving the way for the venture to ramp up production.

In a long-awaited ruling, China’s State Administration for Market Regulation said the companies must honor existing commercial commitments and continue supplying Chinese customers on a “fair, reasonable and non-discriminatory” basis.