SGM’s New Program Aims at Official Data on Lithium Reserves
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SGM’s New Program Aims at Official Data on Lithium Reserves

Photo by:   Alexander Schimmeck
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Paloma Duran By Paloma Duran | Journalist and Industry Analyst - Tue, 10/26/2021 - 18:02

Between 2021 and 2022, the Mexican government will invest MX$55.2 million in lithium exploration, reported the Mexican Geological Service (SGM). The agency indicated that the objective of this investment is to have reliable data on the volume of reserves in the country and confirm if their exploitation is economically viable.

Flor de María Harp, Director of the SGM, explained that although a year and a half is a short time to gather information, this investigation will clarify and accelerate the county’s objectives. Harp said Mexico needs accurate information as the lithium figures that have been released to the media are not accurate. “I am not saying that who ever said we have 243.8 million tons of lithium is wrong. It is information that is contained in a very serious technical report made by a company in Sonora, but it confuses the information because there are 243 million tons of clay mineral that contain lithium,” she added. Harp detailed that the study specifically detailed those 243 million tons of lithium, which would surpass the current leader in lithium: at 20 million tons. “So, if that were true, then we would be swimming in lithium. This is where the misinformation comes in,” reported MBN.

The 2021 program for the exploration of lithium in the country contemplates studying 52 locations, while by 2022 30 more will be added. Harp assured that after these studies, SGM will have key information to start its exploitation.

Harp also said that foreign companies have contacted SGM to propose to develop a lithium battery production chain in the country. "It is indisputable that lithium is of great importance and that it could help Mexico’s development if a plant with the complete value chain arrives," said Harp. Currently, the Mexican state has four areas with lithium resources: two in Sonora, one in Puebla and one in Jalisco. However, the amount is smaller compared to the Bacanora Lithium concessions in Sonora. Therefore, the government announced that by the end of 2022 it hopes to add another eight areas with greater study potential.

Photo by:   Alexander Schimmeck

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