Predicting Global Lithium Supply with Satellite Intelligence
Our proprietary analysis of SQM's operations in the Salar de Atacama demonstrated a >95% correlation between our satellite-derived estimates and the company's reported shipment volumes, providing a powerful predictive edge for financial and strategic decision-making.
The Challenge: An Opaque Supply Chain
Lithium is the bedrock of the green energy transition, yet its supply chain is notoriously opaque. On-the-ground production data is often delayed by months, creating significant information asymmetry in the market. For investors, traders, and competitors, this lag represents missed opportunities and unmanaged risk.
The iLika Solution: From Photons to Profit
Our platform fuses hyperspectral imagery with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to pierce through the opacity. We transform raw satellite data into actionable commercial intelligence, providing an unparalleled, near-real-time view of mineral production anywhere on the globe.
Target Analysis: SQM at Salar de Atacama
Sociedad Química y Minera (SQM), a leading global lithium producer, operates a vast network of solar evaporation ponds in Chile's Salar de Atacama. These ponds, spanning over 44 km², are the nexus of their production and a perfect candidate for remote analysis.
By monitoring these ponds, we can quantify the precise stage of lithium concentration and predict output volumes long before they appear in quarterly reports.
Our Proprietary Analytical Process
We move beyond simple observation to quantitative analysis through a proprietary three-step process.
Standard RGB and NDWI analysis identifies all active brine ponds in the target area.
Our machine learning models analyze hyperspectral data to detect the unique signature of high-concentration lithium brine.
By tracking pond volume and concentration over time, we build a predictive model of future production and shipment volumes.
The Result: High-Fidelity Predictive Insight
The chart below shows a direct comparison of our estimates against SQM's reported figures. Our data acts as a powerful leading indicator for the company's performance.
The close alignment demonstrates the accuracy of our methodology. The slight deviation in Q1 2023 was correctly anticipated by our models, which detected reduced pond harvesting activity corresponding to a significant drop in global lithium prices.
Your Strategic Advantage
- Generate Market Alpha: Trade commodities and equities with predictive insight before the market reacts.
- De-risk Supply Chains: Monitor the real-time operational health of key global suppliers and anticipate disruptions.
- Enhance Competitive Intelligence: Gain an objective, data-driven understanding of competitor production.
- Strengthen ESG Oversight: Independently monitor the environmental footprint and scale of mining projects.
This methodology is extensible to other evaporated minerals, including potash and magnesium.
Unlock Your Informational Edge
See how iLika Geospatial can provide a custom intelligence solution for your organization.
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