SANTIAGO (Reuters) -Executives from Chilean lithium producer SQM on Wednesday said they expect lithium demand this year to reach over 1.5 million metric tons, representing 25% growth from 2024.

In addition, CEO Ricardo Ramos said the company expects a planned lithium joint venture with Chile’s state-run Codelco to receive its final approvals by year-end.

“We will close this year, that’s for sure,” he told a call with analysts.

(Reporting by Daina Beth Solomon; Editing by Brendan O’Boyle)

See Full Page