The French chemical and mining company, Group Eramet, reported its economic contribution in Argentina focusing on the growth of its Centenario lithium project, which is soon to enter production in the province of Salta and is operated through its local subsidiary Eramine Sudamérica.
By Panorama Minero
Among its various initiatives, Eramet highlighted its support for the local entrepreneurial ecosystem with an investment of 300,000 euros in a project called "Triple Impact". This program is based on three fundamental pillars: education through schools and universities, strengthening entrepreneurial capacities (with access to financing and support), and the possibility to choose a business sector (agriculture, livestock, etc.) to launch ventures managed by the region's own inhabitants. According to the company, more than 1,100 people benefited from this initiative, which they plan to continue over time as they advance with the activation of the Centenario lithium operation.
Additionally, in 2023 Eramet paid 73 million euros in taxes and dividends, while local purchases and subcontracting amounted to 256 million euros. The payroll reached 10 million euros, with a total of 2,517 direct jobs. Thus, Eramet's total contribution to the Argentine economy during the year amounted to 340 million euros.
The project's plant, soon to be inaugurated, will have a production capacity of 24,000 tons of lithium carbonate corresponding to its phase 1. It will require more than 1,500 jobs, of which almost 80% are occupied by workers from Salta, and will be followed by a second phase of operations, still subject to definitions, in which an additional investment of over one billion dollars is projected. In July, the company will officially start the production of battery-grade lithium carbonate from the Puna region of Salta, becoming the first project in that province to produce lithium. It will be the fourth production center in the country behind the Fénix mine (Catamarca), the Olaroz mine (Jujuy), and the Lithium Argentina operation known as Cauchari-Olaroz.
