CleanTech Lithium (AIM:CTL) has appointed Gestión Ambiental Consultores (GAC) to lead preparation of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for its flagship Laguna Verde lithium project in Chile.
The AIM-listed exploration and development company said GAC was selected for its track record securing EIA approvals in the mining, energy and infrastructure sectors, including extensive experience in the Atacama region.
Work is set to begin shortly to capture seasonal baseline studies, a process the company said will take a minimum of 12 months before submission to Chilean authorities.
The EIA will draw on four full seasons of baseline data across the project area, covering climate, water management, and flora and fauna, prepared in parallel with the environmental assessment.
The process will include engagement with the Colla Indigenous communities, who will contribute cultural and historical information under an existing agreement with the company.
CleanTech Lithium said a new Chilean government has proposed reforms to streamline the EIA review process, an initiative it supports.
Separately, the company confirmed non-board CFO Gordon Stein's consulting agreement has been extended to 31 December, focused on the strategic partner selection process and the proposed dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX).
Stein stepped down from the board in August 2025 while remaining CFO, and was engaged under a consulting agreement in February 2026 to lead the strategic partner and ASX listing work; his agreement will be reviewed again at the end of the year.
"With the PFS for Laguna Verde completed, the CEOL progressing through its final approval process, and the highly encouraging technical results announced recently, we are building significant momentum," said chief executive Ignacio Mehech, adding that the GAC appointment strengthens the company's ability to "engage with potential strategic partners and progress the funding required for the next phase of development."