SANTIAGO, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Chile's state-run mining

company Codelco said on Thursday that its search for a partner

in its Maricunga lithium project should conclude by the end of

this year with a final selection.

Codelco, the world's largest copper miner, has been tasked

with leading a government plan championed by President Gabriel

Boric to boost state control over the production of lithium, the

key rechargeable battery metal.