CleanTech loss widens; Chilean government change boosts outlook

CleanTech Lithium PLC on Monday recorded a widened pretax loss for the first half as it continued to advance the Laguna Verde project in Chile.

The Jersey-based lithium exploration company, focused on Chile, recorded a pretax loss of £3.0 million for the six months ended June 30, widened by 58% from £1.9 million a year earlier.

CleanTech Lithium generated no revenue, as it remains in development.

Administrative expenses fell to £1.5 million from £1.9 million. Finance costs increased to £1.1 million from £884,847, while the company swung to a foreign exchange loss of £525,634 from a gain of £856,136.

Cash and cash equivalents stood at £2.4 million at June 30, up 33% from £1.8 million at the end of 2025.

In March, CleanTech agreed terms with Chile's Ministry of Mining for a 40-year special lithium operating contract for the Laguna Verde project. The decree approving the contract remains subject to final review by Chile's Comptroller General.

Looking ahead, CleanTech said its priorities include advancing work towards a definitive feasibility study, commencing the environmental impact assessment and permitting process, and selecting a strategic partner.

Potential partners have progressed through confidentiality, data-room and initial due-diligence stages following publication of the project's pre-feasibility study, the company said.

CleanTech is targeting a dual listing on the Australian Securities Exchange in the fourth quarter, subject to regulatory approval and market conditions.

Chief Executive Officer Ignacio Mehech said: "With a change of government in Chile, there is a growing optimistic feeling that Chile is committed to expand the lithium industry and invite investment into the country.

"With this backdrop, our focus is firmly on execution: advancing the remaining technical work to move towards the definitive feasibility study, commence the environmental impact assessment and permitting work, and selecting the right strategic partner," he said.

Shares in CleanTech Lithium closed flat at 6.75 pence per share in London on Monday.

Copyright 2026 Alliance News Ltd. All Rights Reserved.