May 26, 2022: AUSTIN – Energy Exploration Technologies Inc. (EnergyX) has officially announced the hiring of Juan Carlos Barrera as the company’s President of Lithium, South America. Barrera, a 32-year veteran of the mining industry, joins EnergyX after spending 2 years with petroleum giant Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) and 28 years with Sociedad Química y Minera (SQM; NYSE: SQM), the world’s largest lithium producer. He received his Industrial Engineer degree from Católica University of Chile and his dual MBA degree from Tulane University and University of Chile. Juan Carlos Barrera’s experience will be valuable to EnergyX’s plans to expand its operations in South America. His last 12 years with SQM saw him occupy the role of Lithium and Potassium Senior Operations Vice-President, where he directly managed more than 1,700 persons, 11 production plants and the development of investment projects over $1.6 Billion USD across Chile, Argentina and Australia.
“I am relishing being able to join EnergyX, a company that I believe is at the forefront of ushering in a new era of sustainable lithium that can benefit the world’s shift to a low carbon future,” expresses Juan Carlos Barrera, “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I look forward to developing EnergyX’s capacities in South America. I’ve looked at many DLE technologies over my years working in lithium, and it’s clear EnergyX’s technology can truly have a positive impact on the region. I am glad to be part of this team of professionals dedicated to securing a sustainable future across the entire lithium supply chain, and I look forward to establishing EnergyX as a leader in South American lithium production from brine to battery.”
“Juan Carlos has had a very impressive track record building and running SQM’s lithium business as SVP from the ground up. We are very excited that he is joining EnergyX as President of Lithium, South America,” explains EnergyX CEO Teague Egan. “I honestly don’t think there is anyone in the world with more lithium experience than Juan Carlos. As part of overseeing our growth and operations in South America, he will be integral in EnergyX’s development as a major player in the lithium extraction and refinery space. Lithium is a critical resource to the global transition towards net zero, and over 75% of all lithium is found in Bolivia, Chile and Argentina – Juan Carlos will help us develop the sustainable supply in the region that will have a truly global impact.”
About EnergyX:
EnergyX is an innovative technology company revolutionizing the lithium industry supply chain created in 2018. With over 50 patents focused on creating more efficient and sustainable lithium extraction from brine to battery, EnergyX is committed to providing sustainable solutions capable of driving the global transition to net zero. South America’s ‘Lithium Triangle’, which comprises Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina hold 75% of global lithium deposits, and EnergyX has identified the region as a key area of interest to develop sustainable lithium extraction opportunities. Pursuing this goal, the company has been in an active tender process with the Bolivian lithium industry, where its proprietary Lithium Ion Transport and Separation (LiTAS™) technology has been operating since early 2022.
Media Contact:
For further information or to arrange interviews, please contact:
James Ellsmoor, Director of Communications, james@energyx.com
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