Introduction to Ganfeng Lithium and its Argentine Venture
Ganfeng Lithium, a prominent Chinese mining company, has announced plans to invest approximately $2,000 million in a lithium project located in Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG), Salta, Argentina. The company recently met with Salta’s provincial governor, Gustavo Sáenz, to request the inclusion of this initiative in the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI).
Background and Previous Attempts
This is Ganfeng Lithium’s second attempt to join the RIGI. In July, the Argentine government rejected their initial request, deeming the project insufficient to meet RIGI requirements as it was initiated before the regime’s enactment.
In response to this rejection, Ganfeng Lithium combined several nearby lithium brine projects into one new initiative, following a partnership with Lithium Argentina.
Project Objectives and Scale
The primary goal of this operation is to consolidate three nearby lithium brine projects into a single operational platform. This integration will enable the production of carbonate lithium equivalent (LCE) to reach 150,000 tonnes per annum (TPA), placing it among the world’s largest producers.
Existing Operations in Argentina
Ganfeng Lithium already operates in Salta, having developed and launched the Mariana Project in the Puna region, which has recently completed its construction phase. Additionally, they have a project for lithium treatment at the General Güemes industrial plant.
Economic and Social Impact
Ganfeng Lithium highlighted the positive economic and social impact of their operations in Argentina, which have generated over 720 direct jobs with an 89% local workforce and a female participation rate exceeding 17%, including leadership positions such as vice presidencies, managements, and superintendencies.
The company has submitted the necessary permits for the PPG project, which is currently in the public consultation phase or the public hearing stage, following a favorable technical report from the Secretariat of Mining, Environment, and Water Resources.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Ganfeng Lithium? Ganfeng Lithium is a significant Chinese mining company specializing in lithium extraction.
- What is the purpose of their investment in Argentina? Ganfeng Lithium aims to unify three lithium brine projects in Salta into a single operational platform, scaling up carbonate lithium equivalent (LCE) production to 150,000 tonnes per annum.
- Why did Ganfeng Lithium need to resubmit their RIGI request? The initial request was rejected due to the project not meeting all RIGI requirements, prompting Ganfeng Lithium to combine projects and resubmit.
- What are Ganfeng Lithium’s existing operations in Argentina? The company has been operating the Mariana Project in Salta’s Puna region and has a lithium treatment project at General Güemes’ industrial plant.
- What is the economic and social impact of Ganfeng Lithium’s operations in Argentina? Their projects have created over 720 direct jobs with a high local workforce participation and notable female representation in leadership roles.
