The Ministry of Mining accepted application from CODELCO to extend CEOL, page-73

"My guess is that Codelco want to use this as a way to negotiate themselves into the upcoming project structure... but let's see..."

Yes, also my hypothesis. Once we, as an Australian company, took 100% control of that Maricunga project (with all lights green), with the only non-salar/non-national park land for ponds (as far as I know), they acted last minute together with some government officials. Why? To bring the national company in a better position to negotiate with LPI, for the "benefit" of Chile (national company) - hence Willy Wonka Kracht listened to their ruthless chants. All strategy, but from a weak position and rather hopeless and desperate IMHO. It also shows my how valuable Maricunga must be! DYOR!