2025 SMM South American Lithium Resources Field Trip – First Stop: NOA Lithium Brines

In recent years, the significant fluctuations in lithium prices have subjected enterprises across the industry chain to a rollercoaster of experiences, encompassing both the highs and lows of the market. Although lithium prices have long since lost their former glory, the development prospects of the new energy industry chain remain bright amid the global advocacy for a low-carbon economy, with the importance of lithium resources becoming increasingly prominent.

As one of the regions with the most abundant lithium resources globally, South America, particularly the "Lithium Triangle" region (comprising Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile), boasts over 55% of the world's proven lithium reserves. Consequently, South America's lithium resources play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.

Against this backdrop, SMM organized the 2025 SMM South American Lithium Resources Field Trip. Led by Chen Siyu, the project manager of SMM's overseas South American lithium resources field trip, and Zhou Zhicheng, a senior analyst in new energy and lithium batteries, the delegation visited lithium-related enterprises in South America from May 15 to May 26, 2025. They toured local lithium ore and material enterprises, held discussions with company executives, and explored potential opportunities in lithium ore resource development, technological exchanges, and investment cooperation. On May 15, SMM and delegation members headed to NOA Lithium Brines for in-depth exchanges.

Company Profile

Upon arriving at NOA Lithium Brines, SMM and delegation members were warmly received by company leaders, including Hernán Miguel Zaballa, the Executive Chairman, Gabriel Rubacha, the CEO and Director, and Estanislao Zaballa, the Regional Manager, who provided a detailed introduction to the company's business development.

NOA Lithium Brines Inc. ("NOA") is a lithium exploration and development company established with the aim of acquiring assets with significant resource potential. All of NOA's projects are located in the heart of the lithium triangle in Salta, a mining-friendly province in Argentina, surrounded by numerous projects and operations owned by some of the largest players in the lithium industry.

NOA has swiftly assembled a vast and impressive portfolio of lithium brine mining rights, occupying key positions in three potential salt flats (Rio Grande, Arizaro, Salinas Grandes) spanning over 120,000 hectares. The company's recent mineral resource estimate for the Rio Grande project (July 2024) totals 4.7 million mt of LCE (measured, indicated, and inferred), with an average lithium concentration of 525 mg/L.

NOA is committed to conducting sustainable and responsible exploration and business activities in line with industry best practices, supporting all stakeholders, including the local communities where the company operates.

Following the visit, SMM and delegation members posed for a group photo with NOA, fostering deeper cooperation and friendship. It is believed that there will be further in-depth exchanges and collaborations in the future!

Through this field trip and survey, SMM and members of the delegation gained a deeper understanding of NOA's development, as well as a more profound knowledge of the market status, development trends, and existing issues in the lithium battery industry in South America. They will continue to deepen cooperation with large enterprises to achieve complementary advantages and promote the development of the lithium battery industry.