The governor of Catamarca, Raúl Jalil, has assumed the rotating presidency of the Lithium Board, reaffirming his commitment to the sustainable development of this key resource for Argentina's energy transition.
By Panorama Minero
In his first official act, Jalil signed a technical cooperation agreement with the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), aimed at harmonizing provincial legislation related to lithium mining, strengthening institutional frameworks and regional integration.
Additionally, the construction project of a High Voltage Line to supply electricity to the mining area was declared of strategic interest. This initiative, promoted by YPF Luz and Central Puerto, involves an estimated investment of US$400 million to build the High Voltage interconnection, covering a distance of 300 kilometers from the Kachi Project in Antofagasta de la Sierra to Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes in the Salta Puna. This interconnection will enable the transport of 350 MW of electricity, benefiting all communities and projects in the area.
Agreement with Salta for Mining Development in Border Area
At the same time, the governors of Catamarca and Salta signed a new declaration of intent related to the Fénix Project, located in the Salar del Hombre Muerto. This area lies within an undefined border between both provinces and is operated by the company Rio Tinto Lithium. The document establishes a commitment to work jointly to ensure legal certainty for investments and to create conditions for technical, fiscal, and institutional cooperation.
“We continue to promote lithium development with clear rules, interprovincial dialogue, and a shared vision for the land and its resources. This is yet another example that the path to growth is through joint efforts,” stated Governor Raúl Jalil following the signing.
Under Jalil's leadership, the Lithium Board will pursue an active international agenda, representing the interests of the “Lithium Triangle” in strategic markets. Stronger ties with Asia, Europe, and North America are expected, solidifying alliances for productive, technological, and environmentally responsible development. This renewed leadership reflects the commitment of Argentina’s Northern provinces to the intelligent use of their natural resources, aiming for a fair and sustainable development model over time.
About the Lithium Board
The Lithium Board, composed of the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, and Salta, was created with the objective of coordinating efforts toward the sustainable development of the lithium industry in Argentina. This interprovincial collaboration seeks to harmonize policies and regulations, encourage investment, and promote job creation in the region.
In October 2021, Governors Raúl Jalil (Catamarca), Gerardo Morales (Jujuy), and Gustavo Sáenz (Salta) signed an Interprovincial Treaty that gave rise to the Lithium Mining Region. This agreement reaffirms the provinces’ original ownership of their natural resources, in accordance with Article 124 of the National Constitution, and establishes a framework for cooperation in the research, production, industrialization, and commercialization of lithium and its derivatives.
As part of the treaty, the Regional Lithium Committee (CRL) was created, comprising the top mining authorities from each province. This committee acts as a coordinating body for provincial and national requirements related to lithium. In addition, technical working groups were established to focus on key areas such as infrastructure, supplier development, royalties and taxes, mining, environment and water, science and technology, education, and employment.
