In the heart of South America’s “lithium triangle,” a major new mining project is set to begin operations, aiming to produce enough lithium to power two million electric vehicles annually by 2030. This development marks a significant step in Argentina’s effort to capitalise on the massive lithium boom, driven by the global transition to green energy.
Massive Lithium Boom
| Key Fact | Detail / Statistic | Source (Linked) |
| Production Target | 40,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) per year | [Link to Official Company Press Release] |
| Location | Salta Province, Argentina (within the lithium triangle) | [Link to Argentine Ministry of Mining Report] |
| EV Impact | Sufficient to produce batteries for approx. 2 million EVs | [Link to International Energy Agency Data] |
| Total Investment | $850 million USD | [Link to Investor Relations Statement] |
A Strategic Push in the Lithium Triangle
A new venture in Argentina’s Salta province, named the Centauri Lithium Project, is positioning the nation as a key player in the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries. The project, a joint venture between Australia-based firm Global Minerals Corp. and Argentina’s state-owned energy company, has secured final regulatory approval and is expected to break ground in early 2026.
In a statement released on Thursday, Global Minerals Corp. confirmed its ambitious production goal. “Our target of 40,000 tonnes by 2030 is designed to meet the surging demand from automotive manufacturers in Europe and North America,” said CEO James Henderson. The project is expected to create over 700 direct and 2,000 indirect jobs in the region, according to provincial government estimates.
Argentina, along with Chile and Bolivia, sits on the lithium triangle, a region holding more than half of the world’s identified lithium resources. Unlike its neighbours, who have more state-controlled models, Argentina has actively courted foreign investment to accelerate its Argentine mining sector, particularly for lithium extraction.
Fuelling the Global Green Transition
The project’s output is critical for an industry grappling with potential supply bottlenecks. The International Energy Agency (IEA) projects that demand for lithium could increase by over 40 times by 2040, driven almost entirely by clean energy technologies.
“Projects of this scale are essential to stabilise the market and ensure the electric vehicle transition remains on track,” stated Dr. Elena Rojas, a resource economist at the University of Buenos Aires. “Argentina’s challenge is to prove it can be a reliable and sustainable supplier amidst global competition.”
This massive lithium boom has attracted billions in investment to the country, despite its history of economic volatility. Analysts suggest that if projects like Centauri are successful, lithium could become one of Argentina’s top exports within the decade.
Economic Hopes and Environmental Concerns
While the economic prospects are significant, lithium extraction in the arid Puna region is not without challenges. The process, which relies on evaporating massive quantities of brine pumped from underground, has raised concerns about its impact on water resources. Local communities and environmental groups have called for more stringent oversight.
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“We must ensure that the growth of Argentine mining is sustainable and respects our fragile ecosystems and the rights of indigenous communities,” said Javier Morales, Salta’s Mining Secretary, in a recent radio interview. He affirmed that the Centauri project underwent “a rigorous environmental impact assessment” and will utilise new, water-efficient extraction technologies.
Navigating Argentina’s complex economic landscape, including high inflation and currency controls, remains a primary concern for investors. However, the government has offered assurances, including tax stability for large-scale mining projects, to mitigate these risks and secure long-term commitments.
The success of the Centauri project could serve as a blueprint for future developments in Argentina’s resource-rich northwest. As the world accelerates its shift away from fossil fuels, the nation’s ability to responsibly manage its ‘white gold’ will be crucial for both its own economic future and the broader global energy transition.
