China’s Ganfeng Lithium has commenced lithium production at its Mariana project in northern Argentina, marking a significant step in its expansion in the country, the company announced on Wednesday.
As one of the world’s leading lithium producers, Ganfeng plays a key role in supplying the critical metal used in rechargeable batteries.
Located in Salta province, the Mariana plant represents a $790 million investment and has an annual production capacity of 20,000 metric tons of lithium chloride, extracted from the Llullaillaco salt flat. To support the plant’s energy needs, Ganfeng also invested $190 million in constructing a solar power facility.
Ganfeng Lithium President Wang Xiaoshen confirmed that the company’s other lithium projects in Argentina are progressing.
Construction is set to begin this year at the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project, while the Incahuasi–Arizaro project is in advanced exploration. Additionally, Ganfeng co-owns the operational Cauchari-Olaroz project with Lithium Argentina (LAR) and is advancing the Pastos Grandes project through the feasibility stage.
The administration of President Javier Milei has actively encouraged mining investments as a means to attract foreign capital. The government’s incentives program has been well-received by international copper and lithium miners.
Argentina, along with Chile and Bolivia, forms the “Lithium Triangle,” home to some of the world’s largest reserves of the ultra-light metal.
However, while several lithium projects are underway in Argentina, some have faced delays due to declining lithium prices driven by oversupply and slower electric vehicle sales.
Speaking at the project’s inauguration, Mining Secretary Luis Lucero emphasized the Mariana plant’s economic impact.
“The Mariana project not only represents a significant source of foreign currency earnings but also creates stable, high-quality jobs for hundreds of families,” he said.
