Ganfeng Lithium Begins Production of Spodumene Concentrate at Goulamina Mine in Mali

Ganfeng Lithium

Ganfeng Lithium, one of the world's leading producers of lithium, has officially started producing spodumene concentrate at its Goulamina lithium mine in Mali. This marks a significant step in the development of the mine, which is being constructed in two phases. The first phase, which began in 2022, has a production capacity of 506,000 tonnes per year (t/yr) of spodumene concentrate, with commercial production starting on December 15, 2024. The second phase, when completed, will raise the total capacity to 1 million t/yr.

Goulamina Lithium Mine: A Major Step for Ganfeng's Global Lithium Supply

The Goulamina project is one of Ganfeng's key international investments, located in Mali, a country that is becoming increasingly significant in the global lithium supply chain. The mine has a total resource base of 7.14 million tonnes (mn t) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), with an average grade of 1.37% lithium oxide (Li2O), a quality that positions it as a key source of lithium in the coming years.

As part of its development, Ganfeng has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary Lithium du Mali SA (LMSA) holds a 100% stake in the project. However, in a move to strengthen its relationship with the host nation, Ganfeng will transfer a 35% stake in LMSA to the Mali government. This will see the government receive 10% of the stake for free, while the remaining 25% will be acquired for approximately $32 million.

Expanding Ganfeng’s Global Lithium Portfolio

Ganfeng Lithium is investing heavily in lithium extraction from both spodumene ore and brine sources across the globe. In addition to the Goulamina mine, Ganfeng has major operations in Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Ireland, and China. The company is also ramping up its Cauchari-Olaroz project in Argentina, which boasts an annual 40,000 t/yr capacity for lithium carbonate production.

The move to secure assets in Africa is part of a broader trend among Chinese lithium producers, who are increasingly looking to diversify their supply chains. Companies such as Huayou, Sinomine, Chengxin, and Yahua have been sending shipments from their Zimbabwe-based mines to lithium refineries in China, highlighting the growing importance of African countries as key players in the global lithium market.

Strategic Implications for Global Lithium Markets

Ganfeng’s investment in Mali and its expanding operations across Africa signal an ongoing shift in the global lithium mining landscape, with Chinese firms increasingly focusing on securing access to critical resources outside traditional markets like Australia and South America. As demand for lithium continues to surge, driven by the rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage solutions, these strategic moves will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the lithium supply chain.

Ganfeng Launches Mariana Lithium Project, Expands Global Lithium Supply Chain

Ganfeng Lithium Project

China’s Ganfeng Accelerates Lithium Production Across Argentina, Mali, and China

Ganfeng Lithium has officially begun production at its Mariana lithium chloride plant in Argentina's Salta province, strengthening its global lithium supply network. The company launched operations on February 12, marking a significant milestone in its South American investment strategy.

The Mariana project’s first phase features an annual capacity of 20,000 tonnes of lithium chloride. Ganfeng plans to rapidly scale output upon phase completion. Its subsidiary, Litio Minera Argentina, owns 100% of the project, which holds a total lithium resource of 8.12 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

Ganfeng Expands Global Lithium Footprint with Multi-Continent Strategy

Beyond Mariana, Ganfeng is aggressively scaling its global lithium production. In Argentina, the Cauchari-Olaroz project ramped up output from 6,000 tonnes in 2023 to 25,400 tonnes in 2024. The site targets 30,000–35,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate production in 2025. In Mali, the Goulamina spodumene mine began first-phase operations in December 2024.

In China, Ganfeng has established refining capacities totaling 50,000 t/yr for lithium carbonate and 100,000 t/yr for lithium hydroxide. The company opened a 45,000 t/yr lithium salts plant in Sichuan and launched initial production at a 25,000 t/yr lithium carbonate facility in Hunan’s Chenzhou city through its joint venture Hunan Anneng Ganfeng.

Chenzhou Mega Project Sets New Benchmark for Lithium Refining in China

Anneng Ganfeng plans to invest ¥7 billion (US$960 million) into a 150,000 t/yr lithium carbonate complex in Chenzhou. This project will roll out in three phases, with the initial 50,000 t/yr phase already under construction. These efforts solidify China’s position in downstream lithium conversion and reflect Ganfeng’s ambition to control the full value chain from resource to battery-grade materials.

Ganfeng’s total global resource investment now exceeds 79.59 million tonnes LCE. With assets in Argentina, Mali, China, Australia, Mexico, and Ireland, the firm remains a dominant force in both lithium brine and spodumene extraction.

Ganfeng Lithium to Launch Production at Mali's Goulamina Lithium Mine

Ganfeng Lithium

China's leading lithium producer, Ganfeng Lithium, is set to initiate production at the Goulamina lithium mine in Mali, marking a significant milestone in the company's global expansion. Ganfeng has completed the first phase of the ore crushing production line, aiming to produce its first batch of lithium concentrate, also known as spodumene, by the end of this year.

Expanding Lithium Output in Two Phases

The Goulamina project will unfold in two phases, with the initial phase beginning construction in 2022. This first phase is projected to yield 506,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually. The second phase, though lacking specific construction and launch timelines, is expected to bring the mine’s total production capacity to 1 million tonnes per year.

Ganfeng, which owns 60% of the project in partnership with Australia’s Leo Lithium, has positioned itself as a dominant player in the global lithium market. The company revealed plans in May to acquire Leo Lithium's remaining 40% stake, securing full ownership of the Goulamina project. Once the deal is finalized, Ganfeng will control 100% of the mine, further consolidating its foothold in the lithium market.

Diversification in Africa and Beyond

This project in Mali forms part of a broader trend in China’s strategy to diversify its lithium supply chain. With lithium demand surging due to electric vehicle production, Chinese firms like Ganfeng have accelerated exploration and production efforts across Africa. Companies such as Huayou and Zijin Mining have already begun sending lithium shipments from Zimbabwean mines to China for refining. Ganfeng itself is not limited to Mali, having significant investments in Australia, Argentina, Mexico, Ireland, and China.

As China looks to diversify away from traditional suppliers in Australia and South America, Africa is becoming an increasingly vital resource base for lithium production.

Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng to Develop Brine Lithium Projects

Ganfeng Lithium

New Agreement Targets Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes Basin Expansion

Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng Lithium signed a letter of intent to jointly develop lithium resources in Argentina’s Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basin. The collaboration involves three projects: Pastos Grande, Sal de la Puna, and the Pozuelos project, all located in Salta province.

Ownership is split between the two firms across the assets. Lithium Argentina holds 85% of Pastos Grande and 65% of Sal de la Puna, while Ganfeng holds the remaining stakes.

The Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project is fully owned by Ganfeng, but will be included in the partnership scope.

Ambitious Plans for Brine and DLE Operations

The new agreement provides a framework to finalize resource development through both traditional brine evaporation and direct lithium extraction (DLE) methods. When completed, the combined lithium projects are projected to yield 150,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

The parties may also expand production to include lithium chloride, providing downstream flexibility for battery material supply. This strategic cooperation adds scale and supply certainty amid global lithium demand fluctuations.

Cauchari-Olaroz Project Supports Growth Trajectory

The two companies also operate Argentina's leading lithium asset, the Cauchari-Olaroz project, via their joint venture Exar. This facility produced 25,400 tonnes of LCE in 2024, and aims for up to 37% output growth in 2025.

Together, the expanded brine portfolio and Exar’s performance underscore Argentina’s growing importance in global lithium supply chains.

The Metalnomist Commentary

As Western automakers seek secure lithium sources, Argentina’s brine projects are gaining strategic prominence. The Lithium Argentina–Ganfeng alliance could evolve into one of South America’s most influential LCE partnerships.

Ganfeng and LAR Argentina lithium project JV targets 150,000 t/yr LCE with DLE

Ganfeng lithium

Ganfeng and LAR Argentina lithium project JV will integrate three brine assets and deploy DLE at scale. The Ganfeng and LAR Argentina lithium project JV consolidates Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes, Pastos Grandes, and Sal de la Puna. As a result, the Ganfeng and LAR Argentina lithium project JV aims to build 150,000 t/yr LCE capacity in three phases.

JV structure, financing, and offtake

Ganfeng will control 67pc of Millennial, with LAR holding 33pc. The JV sits under LAR’s subsidiary, Millennial. Ganfeng will extend up to $130mn in financial assistance over six years. Meanwhile, LAR will supply an additional offtake equal to 6,000 t/yr LCE. That supply comes from LAR’s Phase 1 stake in Cauchari-Olaroz until Millennial ramps.

Technology, timeline signals, and regional significance

The JV will use direct lithium extraction to lift recovery and cut water intensity. However, the partners have not disclosed construction or start dates. Integration reduces duplication and accelerates project permitting. It also deepens Chinese–Western capital alignment in Argentina’s Lithium Triangle. Therefore, downstream buyers gain scale, diversification, and improved ESG narratives.

Millennial combines three brine projects into a single development path. Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes is fully owned by Ganfeng today. Pastos Grandes is 85pc LAR and 15pc Ganfeng. Sal de la Puna is 65pc LAR and 35pc Ganfeng. The new structure simplifies investment decisions for future phases.

Ganfeng’s operating base strengthens the JV’s execution. The company produced 130,253t LCE in 2024 across carbonate, hydroxide, chloride, and metal. It is ramping Cauchari-Olaroz toward 30,000–35,000t this year. That learning curve should de-risk Millennial’s early phases. In turn, battery-grade carbonate supply should scale faster.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Consolidation plus DLE is the right playbook in Argentina. Offtake pre-commitments bridge financing while Cauchari-Olaroz provides near-term cover. Watch for phased EPC awards, brine handling contracts, and pond-to-DLE hybrid designs as leading indicators.

Goulamina lithium royalty deal strengthens Lithium Royalty Corp exposure to spodumene supply

Leo Lithium

Lithium Royalty Corp has secured a Goulamina lithium royalty in Mali. The Goulamina lithium royalty gives LRC revenue-linked exposure without operating risk. As a result, the deal expands LRC’s battery metals footprint beyond direct mine ownership.

LRC will acquire a 1.5% Trailing Product Sales Fee from Leo Lithium. The transaction values the royalty at A$40mn, or about $27mn. Meanwhile, China’s Ganfeng Lithium operates the Goulamina project.

Deal structure caps volumes but extends cashflow duration

The royalty caps payable volume at 500,000 tonnes per year of spodumene. LRC will receive quarterly payments over a 20-year term. Therefore, the cashflow window runs through August 2045.

Early payment history signals the royalty has started to monetize. Leo received $574,748 in its first quarterly payment in Q3 2025. However, the volume cap limits upside if Goulamina ramps aggressively.

Why the Goulamina lithium royalty matters for battery supply chains

Goulamina ranks among the world’s largest spodumene resources. The project targets 506,000 tonnes per year of concentrate initially. Meanwhile, Ganfeng plans to expand output beyond 1mn tonnes per year.

Ownership structure adds both stability and country exposure. Ganfeng holds 65% and the Malian government holds 35%. As a result, the Goulamina lithium royalty ties returns to a strategic jurisdiction and policy environment.

LRC continues to build a diversified royalty platform across critical minerals. The company also holds a royalty on Ganfeng’s Mariana lithium brine project in Argentina. Therefore, its portfolio of 37 royalties aims to balance growth metals with risk dispersion.

The Metalnomist Commentary

This Goulamina lithium royalty looks like a disciplined way to ride lithium cycles. However, Mali risk and the volume cap shape the real return profile. Royalty investors will watch Ganfeng’s expansion pace and payment transparency.

EXAR Commits $40 Million to Expand Argentina’s Leading Lithium Plant

EXAR

Joint Venture to Pilot Direct Lithium Extraction at Cauchari-Olaroz for Higher Efficiency and Sustainability

EXAR to Introduce DLE Technology at Cauchari-Olaroz

EXAR, a joint venture formed by Lithium Argentina, Ganfeng Lithium, and Argentina’s state-owned JEMSE, has announced a $40 million expansion at its Cauchari-Olaroz lithium facility. This move will pilot Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology to enhance recovery rates and reduce processing time.

DLE can shorten lithium brine processing from 12 months to just one week. The pilot plant, designed to produce 5,000 tonnes per year, will test the method before full-scale implementation. Although EXAR has not set a construction timeline, the company emphasized its focus on efficiency and sustainability.

Cauchari-Olaroz Leads Argentina’s Lithium Output

In 2024, EXAR became Argentina’s top lithium carbonate producer, delivering 25,400 tonnes. The company forecasts 2025 production to rise between 30,000 and 35,000 tonnes at Cauchari-Olaroz, already the country’s largest lithium operation.

By piloting DLE at this critical facility, EXAR aims to stay ahead in the race to modernize lithium extraction methods. The approach supports Argentina’s broader push to boost domestic processing and minimize environmental impact.

Strategic Partnership Backs Innovation and Growth

The EXAR partnership brings together global expertise and local access. Ganfeng Lithium contributes technical know-how from China, Lithium Argentina offers Swiss-based project oversight, and JEMSE ensures alignment with national development goals.

As demand for battery-grade lithium carbonate surges worldwide, EXAR’s investment could establish Argentina as a leading supplier of sustainably sourced lithium.

Ganfeng takes full control of Mali Lithium

Mali Lithium

Deal terms and strategic rationale

Ganfeng takes full control of Mali Lithium after buying the remaining 40% for $342.7mn. The seller was Australia’s Leo Lithium. The move consolidates ownership of the Goulamina lithium mine. Therefore, governance and execution will now follow a single operator. Ganfeng takes full control of Mali Lithium to secure upstream supply.

Ganfeng previously paid $138mn for 55% in September 2023. It added 5% for $65mn in January 2024. As a result, the company now holds 100% equity. This sequence reflects disciplined pacing in volatile lithium markets.

Project status and global supply outlook

The Goulamina resource totals 7.14mn t LCE at 1.37% Li₂O grade. Phase one construction began in 2022 with 506,000 t/y capacity. Production started in December 2024 and continues to ramp. The second phase targets 1mn t/y of spodumene. However, the timeline for phase two remains undisclosed.

Ganfeng completed its first Goulamina concentrate shipment on 24 June. The cargo is en route to China, arriving in early August. Meanwhile, group chemical output reached 130,253 t LCE in 2024. That figure rose 25% year over year.

The portfolio also includes Cauchari-Olaroz in Argentina. Nameplate capacity stands at 40,000 t/y of lithium carbonate. Output jumped to 25,400 t in 2024 from 6,000 t in 2023. It is expected to reach 30,000–35,000 t in 2025.

Ganfeng takes full control of Mali Lithium to align mine, shipping, and conversion. Therefore, integrated volumes should improve cost visibility and contract flexibility. However, execution will still hinge on phase-two clarity and logistics.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Full ownership removes JV complexity and accelerates decision-making at Goulamina. The heavy tilt toward spodumene supply strengthens Ganfeng’s conversion optionality in China. Watch phase-two scheduling, shipping cadence, and carbonate/hydroxide price spreads through 2026.

Core Lithium Stockpile Sale to Glencore Supports Finniss Restart Option

Glencore

Core Lithium stockpile sale to Glencore gives the Australian producer fresh liquidity as it evaluates a potential restart of the Finniss lithium mine in the Northern Territory. The deal reflects how stronger spodumene prices are beginning to reopen strategic options for lithium producers that curtailed operations during the market downturn.

Glencore will buy Core Lithium’s 5,100t spodumene stockpile at $2,023/t on a cif China and 6pc lithium oxide basis. The Core Lithium stockpile sale does not include the company’s 75,000t lithium fines inventory, which remains available for future sales.

The transaction matters because Finniss has been on care and maintenance since July 2024, when weak lithium prices made continued production uneconomic. With spodumene prices recovering sharply, Core Lithium stockpile sale proceeds could help support working capital and restart planning for the 205,000 t/yr operation.

Spodumene Price Recovery Improves Restart Economics

Spodumene prices have rebounded strongly from the lows that forced several Australian lithium producers to shut or suspend assets. When Core moved Finniss into care and maintenance in July 2024, 6pc Li2O spodumene prices were assessed at $909/t fob Australia. By late February 2026, prices had risen to around $2,012/t.

This price recovery changes the strategic logic for Finniss. A restart still depends on costs, mine planning, financing, offtake terms, and customer demand, but the market backdrop is now more supportive than it was during the downturn. Selling stockpiled material to Glencore gives Core a way to monetize inventory without immediately committing to full production.

Core also improved its commercial flexibility by scrapping its previous spodumene offtake agreement with Ganfeng Lithium in September 2025. That decision freed future Finniss output for new spot sales and offtake deals. In a rising price market, that optionality could become valuable.

Glencore Deal Highlights Renewed Interest in Lithium Supply

Glencore’s purchase highlights renewed trading and procurement interest in lithium units as market sentiment improves. For Core, selling to a global commodity group provides a direct route to market and could strengthen confidence around future sales channels.

The broader Australian lithium market is also watching restart signals. Mineral Resources is considering a restart of its dormant Bald Hill mine after closing the operation in November 2024 because of low lithium prices. This suggests the sector is moving from survival mode toward selective restart evaluation.

However, producers are unlikely to restart capacity aggressively without confidence in sustained prices. Lithium markets remain exposed to battery demand, Chinese conversion margins, inventory cycles, and electric vehicle sales momentum. Therefore, the Finniss decision will be an important test of whether the current spodumene recovery is strong enough to support real supply response.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Glencore deal shows that lithium supply is moving back into option value territory. The key question is whether higher spodumene prices can hold long enough to justify mine restarts without recreating the oversupply that caused the last downturn.

Lithium Argentina Cauchari-Olaroz expansion moves ahead despite 3Q loss

Cauchari-Olaroz

Lithium Argentina Cauchari-Olaroz expansion remains firmly on track even as the company posts a 3Q net loss. The flagship brine project delivered 8,300t LCE in the quarter and keeps guidance of around 32,000t for 2025. However, currency impacts and legacy financing costs pushed Lithium Argentina to a $64.5mn loss, underlining the financial volatility around the Cauchari-Olaroz expansion.

Strong production, weak pricing pressure margins

Cauchari-Olaroz remains one of Argentina’s largest single lithium projects and is running at about 80pc of capacity. The project has produced 24,000t LCE over January-September, 22pc higher than a year earlier, confirming the operational strength behind the Lithium Argentina Cauchari-Olaroz expansion. However, average realized prices of $7,522/t for lithium carbonate limit cash flow compared with the 2022 price peak.

Lithium Argentina holds a 44.8pc economic interest in the project via its Minera Exar joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium. As a result, its attributable revenue from Cauchari-Olaroz reached only about $26.4mn in the third quarter. Currency fluctuations and the conversion of earlier loans to Minera Exar into equity added more than $78mn in accounting losses, overshadowing solid operating metrics from the Cauchari-Olaroz expansion.

Rigi incentives key for PPG and next growth wave

The company’s growth strategy now hinges on securing Argentina’s Rigi incentives for large investments. LAR and Ganfeng plan to use the regime to support both the Lithium Argentina Cauchari-Olaroz expansion and the much larger Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) cluster. PPG could reach 150,000t/yr LCE at full ramp-up, making it one of the biggest planned lithium brine platforms in the country.

The Rigi framework offers reduced taxes and royalties, streamlined customs, accounting flexibility and 40-year legal stability. Therefore, successful approval would materially improve project economics and risk perception for lenders and strategic offtakers. LAR aims to file a Rigi application for PPG in the first half of 2026, while a separate Rigi process for the Cauchari-Olaroz expansion is also in preparation.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Lithium Argentina is demonstrating that scale and uptime at Cauchari-Olaroz can offset some of the pain from lower prices and FX swings. The crucial question is how quickly Rigi incentives are granted, because these terms will shape funding costs for both Cauchari-Olaroz and PPG. For investors and cathode buyers, Argentina’s policy execution will help determine whether this emerging lithium hub meets its aggressive capacity targets.

Argentina Lithium Incentives Could Accelerate Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes Development

Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes

Argentina lithium incentives could support one of the country’s largest planned lithium brine developments as Ganfeng and Lithium Argentina apply for the Rigi large investment regime. The companies submitted the application after securing environmental permits for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project.

The Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project combines three brine assets under a 67-33pc joint venture between Ganfeng and Lithium Argentina. The partners plan to invest a combined $3bn to develop the operation into a major lithium carbonate equivalent producer.

Argentina lithium incentives are important because lithium projects require long development timelines, heavy infrastructure spending, and stable fiscal conditions. Rigi offers approved investors tax and royalty reductions, customs facilitation, accounting flexibility, and 30-year legal stability.

Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes Targets Large-Scale Lithium Carbonate Output

The Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project is designed to produce 150,000 t/yr of lithium carbonate equivalent at full capacity. This would make it a major addition to Argentina’s lithium supply pipeline and strengthen the country’s position in the global battery materials chain.

The project will use a mix of evaporation and direct lithium extraction techniques. This hybrid approach reflects a broader industry trend, as developers seek to improve recovery, reduce processing bottlenecks, and manage water and environmental constraints more carefully.

Production is scheduled to start in 2029 at 25,000 t/yr. The operation is expected to reach 50,000 t/yr by 2031, then 100,000 t/yr by 2034, before ramping up to 150,000 t/yr by 2038 after two phased expansions.

Legal Stability Becomes Critical for Lithium Investment

Argentina lithium incentives could improve investor confidence at a time when lithium prices, financing conditions, and project costs remain challenging. Large brine projects need predictable rules because returns depend on multi-decade production and phased capital deployment.

The Rigi application also shows how Argentina is trying to convert its lithium resource base into industrial investment. Environmental permits give the project a regulatory foundation, while incentive approval could improve the commercial framework for construction and expansion.

For global battery supply chains, the project’s timing matters. If delivered as planned, Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes could add meaningful lithium carbonate equivalent supply during the 2030s, when EV, energy storage, and battery manufacturing demand may require more diversified sources outside current dominant supply channels.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Argentina’s lithium opportunity depends on whether policy stability can match geological potential. The Rigi framework gives projects like Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes a clearer investment case, but execution risk will remain high until financing, technology performance, and phased ramp-up are proven.

Lithium Argentina Boosts Output as Cauchari-Olaroz Becomes Nation's Largest Producer

Cauchari-Olaroz Project

2024 Sees 25% Surge in Lithium Production Amid Soaring Global Demand

Cauchari-Olaroz Leads Argentina’s Lithium Growth

Lithium Argentina significantly increased its lithium carbonate output in 2024, positioning the Cauchari-Olaroz project as the country’s largest lithium operation. According to the company’s earnings report, Q4 production surged by 25% quarter-on-quarter, reaching 8,500 metric tonnes.

Full-year production totaled 25,400 tonnes, reflecting strong operational efficiency and rising global demand for battery-grade lithium. This growth cements the project's importance in Argentina's lithium sector, a key player in the global EV supply chain.

Revenue and Outlook Point to Continued Expansion

In 2024, Lithium Argentina generated $198 million in revenue from lithium carbonate sales, averaging $7,800 per tonne. This robust pricing reflects resilient demand despite global market volatility and softening prices in some regions.

Looking ahead, the company expects the Cauchari-Olaroz project to produce between 30,000 and 35,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate in 2025. This would mark another year of double-digit growth and reinforce Argentina's strategic role in lithium supply diversification.

Strategic Partnerships Strengthen Project Position

The ownership structure of Cauchari-Olaroz includes Ganfeng Lithium, a major Chinese lithium producer, and Argentina’s state-run mining agency JEMSE, which holds an 8.5% stake. These partnerships enhance capital access, technical know-how, and regulatory alignment in the project’s operations.

As the world pivots toward clean energy technologies, Lithium Argentina’s output growth underlines its critical contribution to the global battery value chain.

Argentina lithium production capacity set to surge 250pc by 2035

Argentina lithium

Argentina lithium production capacity is entering a new expansion phase that will reshape global battery raw material supply. The government now targets a more than 250pc increase in Argentina lithium production capacity over the next decade, after capacity has already more than doubled in the past two years. This rapid scale-up positions the country as a central pillar of the lithium triangle and a strategic partner for global battery and EV manufacturers seeking long-term supply security.

Rapid build-out of Argentina lithium production capacity

Argentina lithium production capacity has grown from 75,500 t/yr in 2023 to 186,000 t/yr of LCE in 2025. This represents a 146pc increase and marks a sharp acceleration from 2015, when just 35,000 t/yr came from two active projects. Today there are seven operating projects across multiple salars, backed by a mix of global and regional producers. These assets include operations linked to Rio Tinto, Posco, Ganfeng, Lithium Argentina, Zijin and a Franco-Chinese joint venture, reflecting diversified ownership and financing structures.

By 2030, Argentina lithium production capacity is expected to reach 418,000 t/yr and then rise to 658,000 t/yr by 2035. This trajectory implies a potential 253pc increase versus 2025 levels as brownfield expansions and new projects ramp up. Authorities built their outlook on 15 projects, combining the seven operating sites, their planned expansions and eight advanced developments such as Hombre Muerto West, Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes, new carbonate units and brine projects in the pipeline. As a result, Argentina is moving from a niche supplier to a core pillar of global LCE growth.

Strategic implications for global lithium supply chains

This expansion of Argentina lithium production capacity comes as automakers and battery producers seek diversified supply beyond a few dominant jurisdictions. Additional Argentine brine output should help ease medium-term supply risk, even as demand from EVs, energy storage and grid applications continues to grow. However, timing risks remain around permitting, infrastructure, community engagement and financing, which could still shift the actual ramp-up profile.

For investors, the enlarged project pipeline offers exposure across different risk and return profiles, from established brine operations to newer developments led by mid-tier players. Meanwhile, downstream buyers are likely to pursue more long-term offtake agreements in Argentina to lock in volumes and hedge against price volatility. Over time, the country’s growing role in the lithium triangle may also support the emergence of local value-added industries, such as cathode materials or battery component production, if policy and infrastructure align.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Argentina’s push to expand lithium production capacity confirms that supply growth will not be constrained to one or two regions. The key question is not whether capacity is planned, but how much of it will arrive on time and on budget. For now, Argentina looks set to climb rapidly up the league table of LCE producers, but execution risks, water management and community dynamics will ultimately determine how much of this theoretical capacity becomes reliable, long-term supply.

Argentina Lithium Production Push Strengthens Critical Minerals Growth Strategy

Daniel Gonzalez

Argentina lithium production is accelerating as the country seeks to become one of the world’s leading suppliers of battery materials. Vice-minister of energy and mining Daniel Gonzalez said Argentina is now the fastest-growing lithium producer and expects the country to become the largest soon.

The government has raised Argentina’s estimated lithium reserves to 23mn t of lithium carbonate equivalent. It has also increased its copper reserve estimate by 3mn t since last September, strengthening the country’s position across two key energy transition metals.

Argentina lithium production is being expanded by companies including Rio Tinto, Ganfeng, Lithium Argentina and Posco. At the same time, the country is working to develop four greenfield copper projects that could create a new large-scale copper industry.

Lithium Growth Positions Argentina as a Battery Materials Powerhouse

Argentina’s lithium growth reflects the strategic importance of its brine resources in the global battery supply chain. Demand from electric vehicles, energy storage and battery manufacturing continues to support long-term interest in secure lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide supply.

The country’s larger reserve estimate improves its investment case. It gives developers, battery manufacturers and downstream customers more confidence that Argentina can support long-term production growth.

However, reserve scale alone will not guarantee success. Argentina must convert projects into reliable production, build infrastructure, manage water and permitting risks, and maintain stable rules for foreign investors.

Copper Ambition Adds Depth to Argentina’s Mining Strategy

Argentina is also targeting major copper growth. Gonzalez said the country aims to produce 1.5mn-2mn t of copper over the next five to seven years, supported by four greenfield projects now under development.

This copper ambition is significant because copper is central to grids, electrification, renewable energy, electric vehicles and industrial infrastructure. If Argentina can deliver new copper output, it could become a more important supplier to global energy transition supply chains.

The government is using tax incentives to attract investment. These include a lower income tax rate, no tariffs on imports, no export duties, and 30 years of regulatory and tax stability.

Still, investor confidence remains the key challenge. Argentina is trying to recover from years of policy volatility and economic mismanagement, while the cost of capital remains high. Lower financing costs will be essential if the country wants to move large lithium and copper projects from ambition to production.

The Metalnomist Commentary

Argentina has the mineral base to become a major lithium and copper supplier, but geology is only the starting point. The real test will be whether tax stability, investor trust and project execution can overcome the country’s long history of policy risk.

Eramet Argentina Lithium Production Begins with Technical Setbacks but 2025 Target Holds

Eramet

Eramet Argentina lithium production has officially commenced, with the French miner reporting 440 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in Q1 2025. Despite a slow start due to technical issues, the company maintains its annual production guidance and remains committed to scaling up output from its pioneering direct lithium extraction (DLE) facility.

Technical Hurdles Delay Ramp-Up at Eramine JV

Eramet, in partnership with China’s Ganfeng Lithium through its Eramine joint venture, faced initial challenges as a key brine concentration unit malfunctioned. As a result, only 40 tonnes of LCE were sold in Q1—just 9% of total quarterly output. However, this was Eramine’s first full quarter of production following its initial LCE batch in December 2024.

The company still expects to produce between 10,000 and 13,000 tonnes of LCE in 2025, roughly half of the plant’s nameplate capacity of 24,000 tonnes per year. Eramet emphasized that recovery from the technical fault is underway and long-term production goals remain unchanged.

Argentina Hosts First Commercial-Scale DLE Operation

Eramet operates the only commercial-scale DLE facility currently active in Argentina, setting a benchmark in Latin America’s lithium sector. While the LCE produced is high purity, it is not yet battery-grade. So far, sales have been limited to a Chinese cathode materials producer—an early customer validating Eramine’s product in a competitive market.

This operational milestone reinforces Argentina’s role as a future lithium hub and Eramet’s ambition to secure a foothold in the global battery materials supply chain.

Broader Portfolio Supports Growth Strategy

Eramet’s total Q1 revenue stood at €742 million ($845 million), flat year-on-year. Lithium, along with nickel, manganese, and mineral sands, contributed over 60% of the company’s revenue. The diversified portfolio provides financial resilience as the lithium operation ramps up and stabilizes.

The Metalnomist Commentary

The Eramet Argentina lithium production launch highlights the promise and challenges of scaling direct lithium extraction at commercial levels. While the start was modest, Eramet’s technology-first approach and global partnerships position it as a strategic player in the evolving lithium landscape.

Xinjiang Nonferrous in China Begins Lithium Carbonate Production

Lithium Carbonate

Xinjiang Nonferrous Metal, a state-owned producer in China, has commenced lithium carbonate production at a facility located in the Hetian area of northwest China's Xinjiang region.

This project, with a designed capacity of 100,000 tons per year for lithium salts, will be developed in two phases. The initial phase includes the production of 30,000 tons per year of lithium carbonate, 30,000 tons per year of lithium hydroxide, and 15,000 tons per year of lithium chloride.

Construction of the first phase began in July of last year, and by the end of May, the company had produced its first batch of qualified products from the 30,000 t/yr lithium carbonate line. The goal for this year is to produce 12,000 tons.

Details regarding the construction timelines and launch dates for the second phase, which will produce 25,000 tons per year of lithium salts, remain undisclosed.

Xinjiang Nonferrous is developing an integrated facility encompassing mining, separation, and processing, with the capacity to process 3 million tons of lithium ore annually to produce 600,000 tons of high-grade lithium concentrate. The company plans to commence mining operations in the coming months, aiming for an annual production of 130,000 tons of concentrate this year.

In 2019, the company acquired exploration rights for rare metals in the Hetian area for 2 billion yuan ($276 million). The area's measured and controlled lithium ore resources total 50 million tons, equivalent to 700,000 tons of lithium oxide. Resource estimates are expected to increase to 100 million tons, equivalent to 1.5 million tons of lithium oxide, upon completion of exploration.

Chinese lithium producers are ramping up production both domestically and internationally to meet strong demand from the electric vehicle battery industry. Another domestic lithium producer, Hunan Anneng Ganfeng, is also set to commence production at a 25,000 t/yr lithium carbonate plant in October.

The rapid increase in output has outpaced demand growth, leading to a decline in prices. On June 19, Metalnomist assessed prices for 99.5% grade lithium carbonate at 94,500-99,500 yuan per ton ex-works, down by over 80% from their record highs in November 2022. Increased supplies from Qinghai, China's main production hub for lithium extracted from brines, have continued during the warmer summer months. Some major producers may reduce output if prices continue to fall.

Zhejiang Zhongneng Expands Lithium Carbonate Output as China Strengthens Battery Material Supply Chain

Zhejiang Zhongneng

Phase one of major lithium project goes online, boosting domestic capacity and intensifying price pressure

China’s New Era Group Zhejiang Zhongneng Cycle Technology has begun production at its new lithium carbonate facility in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. The site launched with 10,000 tonnes per year (t/yr) capacity in phase one, marking a key milestone in China’s battery materials expansion strategy.

The company originally announced the project in 2023, targeting total output of 30,000 t/yr of lithium carbonate and 150,000 t/yr of iron phosphate. When fully operational, the facility will significantly increase the country’s supply of key battery-grade materials.

Lithium supply surge expected to influence market prices

With the new line now operational, Zhejiang Zhongneng has raised its total lithium carbonate capacity from 8,000 t/yr to 18,000 t/yr. The firm has not yet shared a launch date for the project’s second phase. Market participants expect that increasing supplies—especially from China—could put downward pressure on lithium prices in the near term.

The facility uses feedstock primarily from recycled lithium-ion batteries and crude cobalt hydroxide, underlining China’s push for a circular economy in battery raw materials. The firm also produces cobalt sulphate, cobalt chloride, cobalt metal, and nickel sulphate.

Nickel and cobalt expansion complements lithium growth

In 2024, Zhejiang Zhongneng produced 10,000 tonnes of cobalt (metal equivalent) and now targets 12,000 tonnes for 2025. The company also plans to double nickel production from 3,000 tonnes to 6,000 tonnes this year, strengthening its multi-metal portfolio for battery supply chains.

Competition is also heating up abroad. On 12 February, Ganfeng Lithium launched a 20,000 t/yr lithium chloride facility in northern Argentina, part of its Mariana project. With both domestic and international supply set to grow, market sentiment will remain under pressure in 2025.

Lithium Argentina Relocates Corporate Headquarters to Switzerland

Lithium Argentina

Strategic Move Enhances Global Positioning and Operational Efficiency

Lithium Argentina AG, formerly known as Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp., has successfully transitioned its corporate domicile from Canada to Switzerland. This strategic relocation, completed on January 23, 2025, aims to bolster the company's global positioning and operational efficiency.

Shareholder Approval and Strategic Benefits

The decision to move headquarters received overwhelming support, with 99.23% of voting shareholders in favor during the special meeting held on January 17, 2025. The relocation to Switzerland is expected to provide expanded financial flexibility, proximity to European markets, and an attractive framework for current and future investors.

Continued Operations and Market Presence

Despite the change in corporate domicile, Lithium Argentina's operational headquarters will remain in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The company continues to trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the new ticker symbol "LAR," effective January 27, 2025.

Ongoing Projects and Partnerships

In collaboration with Ganfeng Lithium Co., Ltd., Lithium Argentina operates the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine project in Jujuy Province, Argentina. This project is recognized as the largest greenfield lithium brine asset to commence operations in over two decades, with an annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate.

Enhanced Production and Future Outlook

In 2023, the Caucharí-Olaroz project produced approximately 6,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate, surpassing initial guidance. The company anticipates releasing its fourth quarter and full-year 2024 financial results on March 21, 2025, providing further insights into production guidance for 2025.

Tesla Launches Texas Lithium Hydroxide Refinery: A Game Changer for EV Battery Production

Tesla Lithium Hydroxide Refinery

Tesla has officially begun operations at its lithium hydroxide refinery in Texas, marking a significant step in the company’s strategy to control its supply chain for critical battery materials. Located near Corpus Christi, the new facility aims to process lithium at scale, securing Tesla’s position as a major player in the electric vehicle (EV) market and ensuring a more stable supply of this vital element.

Tesla’s Vision for Lithium Refining at Scale

Following the groundbreaking of the facility in May 2024, Tesla has now successfully processed raw materials through its kiln. This refinery is a pivotal part of Tesla's plan to reduce its reliance on third-party suppliers and mitigate the effects of skyrocketing lithium prices. Tesla’s CEO, Elon Musk, emphasized that while lithium is abundant globally, the slow pace of extraction and refinement has created a bottleneck. The Texas refinery is designed to address this challenge by processing lithium more efficiently and directly at scale.

The facility is capable of refining lithium hydroxide, a key component in EV battery production. Tesla's refinery will primarily process spodumene concentrate, the most common raw material used to produce lithium hydroxide. However, the company has also announced plans to process recycled batteries and manufacturing scrap at the facility in the future, which would further enhance the sustainability and efficiency of its operations.

Advanced Refining Technology and Sustainable Practices

One of the most notable features of Tesla's new refinery is its acid-free lithium refining method, which reduces environmental impact compared to traditional refining techniques. The byproduct of this process—comprising sand and limestone—can be used in construction materials, further contributing to the sustainability goals of Tesla’s operations.

The refinery has a projected capacity of 50 GWh/yr, though Tesla has not disclosed a specific timeline for ramping up to full production capacity. The company’s efforts to diversify its lithium supply chain are also evident in its sourcing strategy. In 2023, Tesla sourced over 75% of its lithium from mining and refining companies, including industry giants such as Albemarle, Acradium, Ganfeng, and Yahua.

Implications for the EV Industry and Lithium Supply Chain

Tesla’s Texas lithium refinery represents a critical move in the global shift toward more sustainable and efficient lithium extraction. As demand for electric vehicles continues to surge, securing a stable and cost-effective supply of lithium is paramount. This refinery could serve as a model for other manufacturers looking to mitigate risks associated with lithium shortages and price volatility.

While Tesla has yet to provide full details on the ramp-up timeline, the opening of this facility signals the company’s ongoing commitment to innovating within the energy and automotive sectors, ensuring that it remains a leader in the electric vehicle industry.

Argentina Targets $30 Billion in Annual Critical Mineral Exports

Critical Mineral

Copper and lithium to anchor Argentina’s mining surge, as foreign investors drive upstream battery-grade expansion.

Argentina aims to export $30 billion worth of critical minerals annually within the next five to seven years, according to Vice Minister of Energy and Mining Daniel Gonzalez. Speaking at CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, Gonzalez said the forecast hinges on lithium and copper, the country’s two most strategic resources.

The projection reflects Argentina’s emergence as a global hub for lithium production, with foreign-backed projects advancing steadily. Gonzalez emphasized the diversity of investment sources, including China, France, the UK, and the United States.

Lithium Sector Expands with Global Backing

Argentina currently hosts six operational lithium projects. Notable investors include Ganfeng Lithium (China), Eramet (France), Rio Tinto (UK-Australia), and Arcadium Lithium (US), recently acquired by Rio Tinto.

“There are no restrictions on foreign ownership,” Gonzalez noted, signaling a business-friendly regulatory environment. Most projects use brine-based extraction and are vertically integrated up to the production of battery-grade lithium salts.

Processing Capacity Grows, But No Battery Manufacturing

While lithium conversion facilities are embedded in most projects, Gonzalez acknowledged Argentina still lacks domestic battery manufacturing.

“All of their projects go to battery grade… What we don’t have is battery manufacturing. I don’t think we will have, unfortunately,” he stated.

Still, Argentina’s battery-grade lithium output positions the country as a key upstream supplier to global energy storage and electric vehicle markets. With rising demand and favorable investor terms, the nation is poised to become a top-tier player in the critical minerals supply chain.