2025 SMM Field Trip to South American Lithium Resources – Third Stop: EKEKO S.A.

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 18, SMM and delegation members headed to EKEKO S.A. for in-depth exchanges.

Company Profile

Upon arriving at EKEKO S.A., SMM and delegation members were warmly received by Rodrigo Nordman, the company's CEO, who provided a detailed introduction to the company's business development.

EKEKO S.A. is an Argentine lithium development company responsible for developing its own and third-party projects, from the early stages to the feasibility stage, with the aim of adding value to the projects and advancing further production of lithium carbonate or lithium hydroxide. The Arizaro Sur project encompasses the company's mineral concessions and three additional applications, totaling 18,840 hectares. These properties are part of a larger portfolio that includes nine concessions and four applications in the Salar de Arizaro region. Located in the southern part of the salt lake, its main neighboring properties are currently undergoing lithium exploration by various public and private companies, including Lithium Chile and Hanaq. The area is in close proximity to existing infrastructure and freshwater resources. Additionally, it is one of only two enterprises in northern Argentina with an independent laboratory, currently operated in collaboration with SGS, with detection operators provided by SGS.

Salar de Arizaro

The project includes the company's mineral concessions and three additional applications, totaling 18,840 hectares. These properties are part of a larger portfolio that includes nine concessions and four applications in the Salar de Arizaro region. Arizaro Sur is located in the southern part of the salt lake, and its main neighboring properties are currently undergoing lithium exploration by various public and private companies, including Lithium Chile and Hanaq. The area is close to existing infrastructure and freshwater resources.

After the visit, SMM and the members of the delegation took a group photo together with EKEKO S.A. to strengthen their cooperation and friendship, and believed that there would be deeper exchanges and cooperation in the future!

Through this field trip and survey, SMM and the members of the delegation gained a deeper understanding of EKEKO S.A.'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.