Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On February 12 (Argentina time), Ganfeng Lithium's Mariana salt lake project officially commenced production, according to a post on the company's WeChat account.
Located in Salta Province, Argentina, the Mariana project holds an estimated lithium resource of approximately 8.12 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). Its first phase has an annual production capacity of 20,000 tonnes of lithium chloride.
Ganfeng Lithium has invested in multiple salt lake projects across Argentina, including Cauchari-Olaroz, Mariana, PPG, PG, Incahuasi, and SDLP. Except for Cauchari-Olaroz, the other five projects are all situated in Salta Province.
Luo Xiaofeng, head of Ganfeng Lithium's South America operations, highlighted the company's role in strengthening China-Argentina ties: "Through joint efforts, in September 2024, we facilitated the signing of a letter of intent for a sister-province relationship between Jiangxi Province, China, and Salta Province, as well as a sister-city agreement between Xinyu City and Salta City." These agreements mark a new phase in bilateral cooperation and set a model for China-Argentina industrial collaboration.
Currently, Ganfeng Argentina is preparing to submit RIGI applications for the Mariana, PPG, and Cauchari-Olaroz projects. RIGI, introduced by the Argentine government in 2024, is a large-scale investment incentive program offering tax, foreign exchange, and import-export policy benefits to enterprises, further deepening Ganfeng Lithium's cooperation with Argentina.
Over the years, Ganfeng Lithium has steadily expanded its investments in Argentina, not only in equity, project construction, and equipment procurement but also in community development. The company has provided free medical equipment, education programs, and essential supplies, significantly improving local living conditions.
The launch of the Mariana project injects new momentum into Salta's economy and mining sector. Salta Governor Gustavo Sáenz emphasized the project's importance, stating, “Mariana is one of the most significant projects in our province. Its development has not only driven economic growth but has also created over 11,600 and jobs both directly and indirectly, bringing transformative change to the region's mining industry.”
Alongside economic contributions, Ganfeng Lithium remains committed to environmental sustainability. To conserve local water resources, the Mariana project utilizes non-potable water sources with excessive heavy metal content and implements water recycling systems. Despite the project's remote high-altitude location and limited infrastructure, Ganfeng Lithium has built a 120MW photovoltaic power station and a 288MWh energy storage system equipped with its in-house developed battery technology. This ensures that the Mariana project operates entirely on renewable energy with uninterrupted 24-hour power supply.
Additionally, to protect local wildlife such as flamingos and alpacas, Ganfeng Lithium has established 19 ecological conservation zones around the Mariana project. The company collaborates with local research institutions and biologists to monitor water quality and vegetation changes in real-time, publishing regular environmental reports to promote harmonious coexistence between industry and nature.
Ganfeng Lithium made its first investment in Argentina's salt lake projects in 2011. Over the past 14 years, the company has steadily expanded its local footprint, advancing exploration and construction while fostering strong ties with local communities and governments.
