Codelco, Chile's state-owned mining company, is seeking a partner for its Maricunga lithium project, targeting production by 2030. The project will be developed in two phases, with a total capital expenditure of $2.3 billion. Rothschild & Co is evaluating potential partners, and the search is expected to conclude by Q1 2025. Codelco has announced a partnership with SQM to adapt direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology by 2023.