Lithium Argentina reported that its lithium brine operation in Caucharí-Olaroz, located in Jujuy, achieved a record production of approximately 25,400 tons of lithium carbonate during 2024, meeting its annual targets. For 2025, the company projects an increase in production, estimating between 30,000 and 35,000 tons.
By Panorama Minero
During the fourth quarter of 2024, production reached approximately 8,500 tons, representing a 25% increase compared to the previous quarter. These figures reflect an operation averaging 85% of its design capacity.
The updated technical report for Stage 1 of Caucharí-Olaroz outlines an initial annual production of 40,000 tons of lithium carbonate. This document includes data on operational and economic progress as of December 31, 2024. The long-term operating cost is estimated at approximately US$ 6,543 per tonne, and the after-tax net present value (NPV8%) was calculated at US$ 3.6 billion. These results highlight the project’s progress and long-term potential.
Sam Pigott, President and CEO of Lithium Argentina, stated: “We are proud of the exceptional performance achieved by our team this year. Looking ahead to 2025, our focus will be on stabilizing operations, improving product quality, and optimizing costs.”
For the upcoming year, the company plans to focus on enhancing operational stability and consistency while aiming to achieve production rates close to nominal capacity and reducing unit operating costs.
Caucharí-Olaroz is a joint venture between Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. (46.7%), Lithium Argentina (44.8%), and Jujuy Energía y Minería Sociedad del Estado (JEMSE) (8.5%). This project plays a central role in Argentina’s transformation into a global leader in the lithium industry, being the third project to commence production among the four commercial-scale operations currently active in the country.
