SQM Seeks Lithium Partner to Finance International Expansion

SQM is seeking a partner for its international operations as the world’s second-biggest lithium supplier looks to step up its presence outside of home-base Chile, according to people familiar with the matter.

The Santiago-based firm is offering a minority stake in its recently formed international lithium division as a way of financing investments, mainly in Australia, the people said, asking not to be named as talks are private.

Brine pools at a SQM lithium mine in the Atacama Desert, Chile.

Photographer: Cristobal Olivares/Bloomberg

The partner search, which is being run by JPMorgan Chase & Co., is at an early stage and is focused on investment funds and strategic investors rather than other mining companies, ...