en.Wedoany.com Reported - On March 30, 2026, Chile's NorQuim company submitted the first study reports for its technological complex project located in the commune of Mejillones, Antofagasta Region, to the Environmental Impact Assessment System (SEIA), involving the environmental assessment of mineral mining and an e-methanol plant. This mining raw materials and e-methanol project, with a total investment of $2.1 billion, aims to reduce the carbon footprint and enhance supply chain security through localized production.
The technological complex includes two independent plants: one is a plant supplying strategic raw materials for the lithium and copper mining industries, with an investment of $900 million, which will produce key materials such as soda ash, calcium chloride, and high-purity lime, products currently reliant on imports; the other is an e-methanol plant, with an investment of $1.2 billion, which will produce low-carbon fuel suitable for international shipping and aviation sectors.
The environmental approval process is conducted in two phases: the Environmental Impact Assessment for the e-methanol plant was submitted on March 27, and the assessment for the strategic raw materials plant is planned for submission in mid-April. The project is designed based on circular economy principles, utilizing mining waste as feedstock and capturing carbon dioxide in e-methanol production.
Construction is expected to begin in 2028 upon approval, with operations starting in 2030. The construction phase could create up to 3,200 jobs, while the operational phase will provide about 400 direct and indirect jobs. The project also implements education and training programs to equip the local workforce with new technologies.
When fully operational around 2035, this mining raw materials and e-methanol project is expected to annually produce 520,000 tons of soda ash, 520,000 tons of calcium chloride, 200,000 tons of lime, and 420,000 tons of e-methanol, contributing to sustainable growth for the Chilean economy.
This article is compiled by Wedoany. All AI citations must indicate the source as "Wedoany". If there is any infringement or other issues, please notify us promptly, and we will modify or delete it accordingly. Email: news@wedoany.com
