The alliance between Ganfeng and Lithium Argentina moves forward with the environmental authorization for one of the country’s most ambitious lithium developments. The beginning of construction will mark the integration of three initiatives into a single large-scale production platform.
By Panorama Minero
The Government of Salta has granted the Environmental Impact Statement (DIA) to the Pozuelos–Pastos Grandes project (PPG), one of the most significant lithium ventures in Argentina. The permit was issued to Ganfeng Lithium’s local subsidiary, Lithea Inc., and paves the way for the construction of a plant designed to produce up to 150,000 tonnes per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate, with operations scheduled to begin in 2028 and an expected mine life of over 30 years.
Located in the Salta Puna region, over the Pozuelos and Pastos Grandes salt flats, the project’s environmental approval follows key legal and participatory milestones, including a Free, Prior and Informed Consultation (FPIC) with local communities, a Public Hearing held in Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes, and inter-agency coordination led by the province’s Secretariat of Mining.
The scale of the project and the business synergy driving its development mark a turning point in the regional lithium landscape. PPG will be led by Ganfeng Lithium and Lithium Argentina, two companies already partnered in the producing Cauchari-Olaroz project in Jujuy. This new stage solidifies the partnership with an equity structure of 67% for Ganfeng and 33% for Lithium Argentina, aimed at combining technical, environmental, and infrastructure capacities into a unified hub.
Specifically, three complementary assets will be consolidated: Pozuelos–Pastos Grandes (Ganfeng), Pastos Grandes (Lithium Argentina), and Sal de la Puna (Lithium Argentina). The integrated platform will capitalize on progress already made, including hydrogeological modeling, pilot evaporation ponds, and established field camps, while also incorporating solar evaporation and hybrid direct lithium extraction (DLE) technologies.
If the projected timeline is met, PPG could rank among the world’s largest lithium operations. Both companies have expressed interest in applying for the recently enacted Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) to enhance competitiveness and long-term export potential.
“We believe in the country and its people. We’re very pleased and confident about continuing to invest and strengthen our presence in the region,” said Jason Luo, President of Ganfeng Lithium for Latin America.
