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About 80% of people who know about the Codelco-SQM lithium alliance support it

In a context marked by political debate and the upcoming vote on the Investigative Commission's report in the Chamber of Deputies, the Citizen Panel study by the Universidad del Desarrollo (UDD) reveals that the vast majority of Chileans support the alliance between the two companies for the development of lithium in the Salar de Atacama.

Santiago, June 27, 2025.- A new national survey, this time by the UDD Citizen Panel, revealed that the majority of Chileans support the agreement between Codelco and SQM to jointly develop the lithium industry in the Salar de Atacama, until 2060. The study, applied between June 23 and 24 to a representative panel of almost two thousand people over 18 years of age, in the 16 regions of the country, shows a widely favorable perception towards this public-private partnership.

The survey, conducted through digital channels such as WhatsApp and SMS, found that 82% of respondents (excluding the 25% who said they were unaware of the agreement) consider the agreement beneficial for Chile. Considering all responses, including those who said they were unaware of the agreement, support remains very high at 61%, very similar to the January 2025 and July 2024 surveys (61% and 63%, respectively) and significantly higher than the 50% recorded in January 2024, one month after the Memorandum of Understanding between Codelco and SQM was signed.

The broad public support is reflected not only in national data, but also in the latest Regional Barometer of Antofagasta, a region directly linked to the lithium operation, which shows 57% support for the alliance.

The agreement establishes that Codelco will be the majority shareholder in the company, with 50% plus one share. This arrangement has been well received by the public since its inception, with support that has grown over time, as it is perceived as an opportunity to strengthen the role of the State in lithium exploitation and ensure strategic benefits for the country starting this year.