SQM is trading 5.1% up at $76.41 in pre-market, driven by renewed optimism for the lithium sector and recent company-specific developments. * The SQM-Codelco joint venture, Novandino, announced plans to significantly increase lithium production by over 70%, targeting up to 470,000 metric tons annually to meet surging demand. * This news reinforces broader positive sentiment for long-term lithium demand, particularly from electric vehicles and grid-scale battery storage. * The stock is also benefiting from positive analyst coverage and favorable market momentum.