Canadian companies invest in lithium prospecting in the Paraguayan Chaco

Asunción, IP Agency.- A group of five companies associated with a Canadian firm is making an investment of around USD 30 million for lithium prospecting in the Paraguayan Chaco, reported the Vice Minister of Mines and Energy, Mauricio Bejarano, dependent on the Ministry of Public Works and Communications. The stone is also made up of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.

In an interview with state media, Bejarano explained that the State does not invest in the search for lithium and the only thing it does is grant permits, since the Paraguayan subsoil is property of the State.

He pointed out that a fee is obtained for each hectare taken, which directly benefits the Paraguayan State and in the future, the exploitation sows royalties.

They are all Canadians who are carrying out the exploitation and the investment is private, he confirmed. It is estimated that the investment made by the group of companies led by a Canadian firm amounts to USD 30 million.

The businessmen requested to obtain permits for prospecting, since the resources belong to the State. They submitted a request to the Vice Ministry of Mines and Energy of the Ministry of Public Works; as well as the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (MADES).