Chile’s Maricunga Lithium Deal Nears Signature as Rio Tinto Takes 49.99%

2026-01-28 - 13:20

Key Points The Maricunga lithium contract cleared oversight and is ready for signature, the mining minister says. Rio Tinto would take 49.99% while Codelco keeps 50.01%, preserving state control by design. Up to $900 million is tied to milestones and a 2030 start, but water risks will decide legitimacy. Chile says it is ready to