At a glance: 3 Argentine lithium projects due to start up in 2023

Three Argentine projects totaling US$1.39bn in capex are due to add 75,000t/y of lithium carbonate production from the end of 2023.

By the end of this decade, Argentine lithium could cover close to 20% of global demand, the World Bank said in a statement at the beginning of the month on how climate action can be an ally of economic growth in the country. The mining ministry projects that lithium production, primarily for batteries for electric vehicles, will reach 230,000t/y by 2030.

Demand for electric vehicles this year will increase 43% and EVs will represent 13% of the global market, and 21% by 2025, according to a presentation by Australian miner Allkem on Monday.

BNamericas looks at the three projects in Argentina.

Sal de Vida: Capex US$271mn

The start of production under phase 1 of Allkem’s project is estimated for 2H23. It is in the Salar del Hombre Muerto in Catamarca province and would add 15,000t/y.

Caucharí-Olaroz: Capex US$741mn

By June 2023, the project in Jujuy province is expected to start up. It is controlled by the Minera Exar joint venture comprising Canada’s Lithium Americas, China’s Ganfeng Lithium and provincial company JEMSE. Production is due to reach 40,000t/y.

Tres Quebradas: Capex US$380mn

At the end of 2023, this project in Catamarca province belonging to China’s Zijin Mining and local operator Liex is expected to add 20,000t/y of production.