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Saudi mining minister to go to Chile in July, source says

Saudi Arabia's mining minister strategies to meet his Chilean counterpart in Santiago at the end of July to discuss possible financial investments in lithium, a Chilean federal government source stated on Friday.

Saudi Minister of Market and Mineral Resources Bandar Alkhorayef told in a recent interview that the Middle Eastern country is interested in acquiring lithium overseas as it aims to go into the electric automobile (EV) sector.

Chile is the world's second-biggest producer of lithium, a. product secret to making the batteries that power EVs. The global. shift towards EVs has produced a rush by carmakers and international. powers for the ultralight metal.

Chilean paper Diario Financiero initially reported plans for. the Saudi see to Chile, stating Alkhorayef was anticipated to satisfy. with mining minister Aurora Williams. It likewise stated Saudi Arabia. had an interest in conference with Codelco and Enami, the state-run. mining business charged with bringing the Chilean federal government. into the lithium market.

Both business are looking for economic sector partners to introduce. brand-new lithium jobs - Codelco in the Maricunga salt flat, and. Enami in brine deposits called Altoandinos.

The Mining Ministry and Codelco did not instantly react. to ask for comment. Enami stated it has actually not received any. conference demands from Saudi authorities or companies.

Chile's mining ministry in April stated it had been approached. by the Saudi embassy in Santiago about hosting a delegation this. year to discuss prospective investments in the sector.

Saudi ambassador in Chile Khalid Alsaloom in a social networks. post last week said he consulted with Williams to discuss topics of. mutual interest.

(source: Reuters)