As part of Argentina Week in Paris, Eramet confirmed its intention to move forward with a first expansion of its Centenario-Ratones lithium operation, in the province of Salta, through an additional investment estimated at US$350 million that it will submit to the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI).
By Panorama Minero
The announcement was made by Christel Bories, Chairwoman and CEO of Eramet, after holding meetings with President Javier Milei and Argentine officials during the Argentina Week agenda. In her message, Bories reaffirmed the group’s long-term commitment to the country and its intention to continue developing its activities in the Argentine market.
The planned expansion would increase Centenario-Ratones’ nominal capacity to 35,000 tonnes of LCE per year, an increase of close to 46% compared with the current planned scale.
The company confirmed that it will apply for the expansion to be incorporated into the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI).
For Eramet, the regime can help establish conditions for a new phase of industrial investment in Argentina, in line with its strategy of developing lithium production and strengthening its participation in critical mineral supply chains.
An Expansion Based on Existing Infrastructure
The first stage of the expansion is planned on the existing Centenario-Ratones facilities. The project would make use of infrastructure, remaining capacity and operational experience already developed, with lower capital intensity compared with a new facility. The company has completed the pre-feasibility study and is moving forward with detailed engineering.
Centenario-Ratones uses direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology, a process that constitutes one of the central technological components of the operation. The plant began its progressive commissioning in 2025, a year in which it produced 6,700 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). For 2026, Eramet projects production of between 17,000 and 20,000 tonnes, close to the nominal capacity of the current facility.
