Status: 01/30/2023 5:50 p.m
Chancellor Scholz sees Chile as a “desired partner” for commodity deals with German companies. They want to score in South America with environmentally friendly technology. But the competition from China is enormous.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz has promoted the participation of German companies in the processing of lithium deposits in South America. “In the global competition of the 21st century, it is not enough to simply transport raw materials away – with no regard for the environment, without reasonable working conditions, without adding value locally,” said Scholz at the German-Chilean Economic Forum in Santiago de Chile today.
Huge Deposits in the “Lithium Triangle”
More than half of the world’s deposits of the light metal are believed to be in the “lithium triangle” in the border triangle of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile. Lithium is of enormous importance for industry because it is used to make batteries in smartphones and electric cars, for example.
According to observers, Germany is entering the global race for raw materials late. In the lithium-producing countries, German companies now want to score points over the international competition with environmentally friendly technology. In addition, they hope to gain access to the raw materials by offering to leave more added value locally in long-term partnerships. China has been active in the region for many years – but the country imports the raw material and then exports refined products.
Aurubis wants to work more closely with Codelco
The Aurubis metals group has now agreed a letter of intent for closer cooperation with the Chilean group Codelco, the world’s largest copper producer. The aim is to ensure more sustainability in mining, processing and recycling. “It is very important that those involved along the entire value chain work together and adhere to certain standards,” said Roland Harings, CEO of Aurubis.
The Dresden-based company Deutsche E-Metalle (DEM) secured lithium concessions over 70,000 hectares in Argentina. He relies on a local partnership at eye level, said DEM board member Micha Zauner. Auribis and DEM are part of a business delegation accompanying Chancellor Scholz on his trip to Latin America.
China is investing billions in Bolivia
Scholz described Chile as a “desired partner” in the search for long-term raw material suppliers. “Germany and Europe are very interested in diversifying our supply relationships,” said the SPD politician.
However, the competition, especially from China, is enormous. Bolivia recently selected a consortium led by the Chinese battery manufacturer CATL to process parts of the country’s lithium reserves. Two factories for the production of lithium carbonate are to be built for around one billion dollars.
With information from Evi Seibert, ARD capital studio, currently Rio de Janeiro