Universidad de Antofagasta and SQM kick off tenth international lithium conference

The first day of the “10th International Conference on Lithium, Industrial Minerals and Energy IWLiME 2023,” which aims is to promote research, development and innovation in the lithium sector, began with presentations from leading researchers from universities in France, the United Kingdom and Portugal, among other countries.

Universidad de Antofagasta Chancellor Dr. Marcos Cikutovic highlighted the activity’s importance to strengthening new networks of national and international collaborations between industry and scientists from academic institutions.

“Universidad de Antofagasta has been conducting research related to lithium for several years now. And a fundamental factor has been this alliance with SQM, which has allowed us to broaden the range of our research and present the results at this international conference,” he clarified.

SQM’s Corporate Affairs Manager, Pablo Pisani, highlighted the role of universities in the industry’s development.

“We look favorably on how the region is positioning itself around the lithium industry, with Universidad de Antofagasta as an important cornerstone. We feel that as a company this is something we must enhance,” said the executive.

Important Presentations:

The conference will feature three days of important presentations, with the Center for Advanced Research on Lithium and Industrial Minerals (CELIMIN) at Universidad de Antofagasta playing a key role by presenting its research on applications for this strategic mineral.

“We are in the right place. As a result of significant effort made through the British embassy, the conference will be attended by six high-level researchers from the most prestigious universities in the United Kingdom. We also have many graduate students attending and learning more about this industry,” explained CELIMIN’s director, Dr. Mario Grágeda.

For School of Engineering Dean Dr. Marcelo Cortés, one of the key objectives is to build new national and international collaboration networks among researchers for development and innovation in the lithium sector.

“This international conference is important because lithium is relevant. It is an issue that is being discussed on several dimensions. On the one hand, the way in which the government is approaching it with its strategy and the creation of business models, and on the other hand, the role of academia, which is called to contribute knowledge and research to this industry,” he explained.

With a strong emphasis on scientific innovation and knowledge exchange, the “10th International Conference on Lithium, Industrial Minerals and Energy IWLiME 2023” is an ideal venue to address issues such as lithium battery manufacturing, circular economy, environmental considerations for the industry, sustainability and hydrogeology, among other vital issues for the development of both this key industry and the country.