The China-based company Ganfeng Lithium has announced the start of production at its Mariana Project and the inauguration of its processing plant at the General Güemes Industrial Park in Salta. After 33 months of development, the facility will have an annual production capacity of 20,000 tons of lithium chloride.
By Panorama Minero
The inauguration event gathered national, provincial, and municipal authorities, as well as representatives from the mining sector, business chambers, suppliers, and company personnel. During the ceremony, officials toured the plant and unveiled a commemorative plaque. Key figures in attendance included Luis Lucero, Argentina’s Secretary of Mining; Gustavo Sáenz, Governor of Salta; Wang Xiaoshen, President of Ganfeng Lithium Group; and Jason Luo, President of Ganfeng Lithium South America.
“Ganfeng Lithium will continue strengthening its commitment to projects in Argentina, developing alongside local communities and their people,” said Jason Luo. Wang Xiaoshen added, “The commissioning of the Mariana Project is a clear demonstration of the mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation between China and Argentina.”
“Mariana is Ganfeng’s first project to enter production in Salta. In the same region, the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes Project is scheduled to begin construction this year, while the Incahuasi-Arizaro Project is at an advanced exploration stage. Meanwhile, in Jujuy Province, the Cauchari-Olaroz Project began production in 2023,” explained Wang Xiaoshen, detailing the company’s various mining operations in Argentina.
Among national authorities, Secretary of Mining Luis Lucero highlighted that “the Mariana Project not only represents a key source of foreign exchange revenue but also the creation of high-quality, stable employment for hundreds of families, strengthening local economies.”
Governor Gustavo Sáenz underscored that this marks Salta’s first major mining milestone in 2025, and the third within a year, demonstrating the region’s dynamism and growing presence in the global mining sector.
“Today, we take another step forward with the Mariana Project. Together with Ganfeng Lithium, we reaffirm that in Salta, mineral resources are transformed and industrialized at their source, generating quality jobs and fostering local supplier development,” emphasized Sáenz.
A Technological and Sustainable Facility
The Mariana processing plant completes the extraction process initiated at the Salar de Llullaillaco, integrating cutting-edge technology and a zero-liquid discharge system. The total investment in the project amounts to US$ 980 million (US$ 790 million in CAPEX and US$ 190 million in an off-grid solar park, the largest in Argentina’s mining industry).
The company highlighted the significant logistical and infrastructure challenges overcome during the plant’s construction, given its remote location relative to Salta City. Over this period, 3,000 direct and indirect jobs were created. “Ganfeng prioritized hiring local talent, with 82% of employees being from Salta, including 36% from the Puna region,” the company stated.
“With a strong focus on local workforce integration throughout all project phases, Ganfeng continues to recruit qualified personnel for the operational phase. After more than two years of construction, over 11,600 jobs have been created, owing to the shift-based work structure required by remote mining operations, where a single mining position can generate up to four employment opportunities,” the company added. Additionally, a broad network of contractors and specialized service providers was engaged not only for construction but also for maintenance, auxiliary services, and general operations.
Local Suppliers and Economic Development
Since 2022, Ganfeng Lithium has worked with over 350 Salta-based companies. In 2023 and 2024, 43% of CAPEMISA members (the local supplier chamber) were contracted by the company, exceeding the 50% threshold mandated by the Environmental Impact Statement (DIA), with 57% of total suppliers being local.
“Supporting local suppliers is not just a commitment for Ganfeng; it is a key strategy for driving economic and social development in the province,” Wang Xiaoshen emphasized.
