The lithium project in Antofagasta de la Sierra concluded the oral stage of the Citizen Participation process. The environmental assessment is entering its final stage, with the DIA expected in September.
By Panorama Minero
The Kachi lithium project, located in Antofagasta de la Sierra, advanced in its environmental assessment process with the public hearing corresponding to the Environmental Impact Report (IIA) for the exploitation stage. The hearing was held on Thursday, August 27, in the town of El Peñón and drew broad participation from members of the community.
The hearing represented the final oral stage of the Citizen Participation process, formally launched on July 31 as part of the assessment of the project’s IIA. The project concession holder is Morena Del Valle Minerals.
During the meeting, representatives from the Ministry of Mining provided information on the different stages of the Citizen Participation process, the oversight role of the Mining Police and the interinstitutional work carried out as part of the environmental assessment. Company representatives, meanwhile, presented technical, environmental and social information related to the project.
A Key Stage in the Environmental Process
The hearing followed a series of information and participation activities carried out over the past month. The process included two technical presentations, an interinstitutional and community inspection in the project area, and a workshop with members of the Salar de Carachi Pampa community.
Although the Citizen Participation process formally opened on July 31, the project file had been available for public consultation in digital format since June, ahead of the formal start of this stage.
During the hearing, residents and members of different sectors of the community submitted questions, raised concerns and expressed their views on the project. Participants particularly valued the information sessions held to date and requested that consultation and participation mechanisms continue throughout the different stages of Kachi’s development.
The formal Citizen Participation process continued through August 31. From that point onward, the administrative stage related to the assessment of the Environmental Impact Report will continue.
Kachi Moves toward a Decision on the DIA
The public hearing is particularly significant within the project’s environmental timetable. In a report released on August 3, Lake Resources stated that the opening of the public consultation represented the final administrative stage prior to the preparation of the assessment report and the determination of the Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA).
According to the company, the DIA constitutes the mining authority’s formal decision regarding the project’s environmental approval and establishes the conditions and requirements for its development. Lake Resources had indicated that it expected this decision to be issued before September 30, 2026.
The conclusion of the oral stage of the Citizen Participation process therefore marks another step forward in Kachi’s regulatory process, although the corresponding administrative stages must still be completed before the DIA can potentially be issued.
Direct Lithium Extraction Technology and Water Protection
Lake Resources also highlighted the environmental characteristics of the direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology planned for Kachi, developed together with its technology partner Lilac Solutions.
The company stated that the process includes a brine extraction and reinjection system designed to return more than 95% of the processed brine to its original aquifer. It also indicated that the lithium processing facility will be isolated from local freshwater resources and that the technology eliminates the need for traditional large evaporation ponds.
These aspects are among the environmental attributes that the company plans to present during the consultation and dialogue process with communities and local stakeholders.
The Ministry of Mining, meanwhile, highlighted the role of Citizen Participation as a tool to guarantee access to information, consultation and the expression of opinions by society. Against this backdrop, with the public hearing completed and the Citizen Participation process formally concluded, Kachi is entering a decisive stage of its environmental assessment, awaiting the preparation of the corresponding report and the determination of its Environmental Impact Declaration.
