SQM has been in talks with Codelco since last year over a potential partnership to mine the key battery metal.

The group, owned by Eramet and Tsingshan, is set to inaugurate its first lithium carbonate plant in the northern Argentine province of Salta.

Panama on Sunday elected Jose Raul Mulino as its new president.

After recently signing a deal for a stake in the Diablillos silver-gold project in Salta province, Central Puerto is committed to getting involved in a second mining venture.

Lawmakers across different parties who backed a contract with First Quantum Minerals have faced a backlash that could hurt their support. 

Goldman Sachs earlier in the day hiked its year-end price target to $12,000 per ton, from $10,000 previously.

The government wants the next CEO to have ties with states, municipalities and regulators.