INLiSa and European Lithium Institute sign MoU to build a Chile–Europe strategic alliance on lithium and salars
Press Release / January 2026
Context & significance
- INLiSa is Chile’s dedicated institute for knowledge, technology and governance around lithium and salars, while eLi connects European capabilities along the lithium value chain.
- The MoU responds to the need for structured, international cooperation on sustainable lithium supply, particularly from salar brines.
Purpose of the MoU
- Establish a reciprocal collaborative relationship to promote programs and projects in research, development, innovation, training and technology transfer on lithium and salar-related topics.
- Focus on sustainable development of the lithium industry and comprehensive management of Chilean salars, including environmental, economic and social dimensions.
Key collaboration pillars
- Chile–Europe strategic alliance: linking scientific, technological and industrial capabilities of both regions for high-value collaborations.
- Exchange and visibility spaces: workshops, technical missions, and business/technology meetings to generate concrete cooperation and deployment opportunities.
- Joint mobilization of funding: coordination to submit co-financed proposals to national and international funding instruments.
What it means for eLi members and R&I actors
- New opportunities to connect European projects and infrastructures with Chilean needs, resources and policies on salar brines.
- A route to engage with INLiSa’s initiatives, including the design of pilot and demonstration platforms for lithium & salars technologies.
- A predictable framework on IP, confidentiality and public communication, reducing barriers for industry participation.
About
- INLiSa is Chile’s national institute dedicated to sustainable lithium and salar development, integrating science, technology and territorial knowledge to support responsible use of Chile’s salar brine resources.
- The European Lithium Institute (eLi) is an international non-profit network that connects European capabilities along the entire lithium battery materials value chain, enabling joint R&I, infrastructure use and policy–industry dialogue on lithium.
The MoU was signed by Dr. Hernán Cáceres Venegas, Chief Executive of INLiSa, and Dr. Jean Paul Gueneau de Mussy, Executive Director of the European Lithium Institute, representing both institutions’ commitment to a long-term Chile–Europe collaboration on lithium and salars. (Add Linked In profiles Hernan and Jean Paul)