The province of Salta inaugurated the first commercial lithium hydroxide production plant in the country, marking progress in the development of mining in Argentina. Located in the General Güemes Industrial Park, the plant is part of the “Sal de Oro” project of the Posco Argentina mining company, and is projected as a reference in the production of this essential mineral for rechargeable batteries, a central piece in the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energies.
During the inauguration ceremony, the governor of the province, Gustavo Sáenz highlighted the impact of this achievement for the economy and development of the province. “Each inauguration, each start-up, is the most compelling evidence of the work we have been doing in the province and that positions us as a privileged destination to invest in mining,” stated the governor. In addition, he stressed that the project will bring significant economic growth to Salta, driven by an investment of more than 800 million dollars.
The project will not only have a direct economic impact, but will also promote the development of the local community, generating more than 3,800 jobs, of which more than 300 will be direct. It is also expected that more than 60 local suppliers will be integrated into the production process, which will strengthen the value chain and the company’s commitment to the region.
The plant has an initial production capacity of 25,000 tons of lithium hydroxide per year, consolidating Salta on the world map of lithium mining. Sáenz pointed out that the operation of the plant will not only benefit the provincial economy, but also positions Argentina as a key player in the global lithium industry, a mineral that is increasingly in demand due to its use in batteries for electric vehicles.
The South Korean ambassador to Argentina, Lee Yong Soo, was also present at the event and highlighted the importance of this plant for economic cooperation between both countries. “The start of production of this plant marks a milestone in our history of more than 160 years of friendship and collaboration between Korea and Argentina,” said the ambassador, underlining the positive impact that the project will have not only at the provincial or national level, but also in the stability of global lithium supply chains.
Posco Argentina: a key player in the lithium industry
Posco Argentina has been a pioneer in the production of lithium hydroxide in the country. Since acquiring the mining properties in the Salar del Hombre Muerto in 2018, the company has continued to steadily expand its operations. The commercial plant in General Güemes is part of a broader strategy that includes the construction of two additional plants in the La Puna region, with which production capacity will double by next year, reaching 50,000 tons per year.
Kwangbok Kim, president of Posco Argentina, highlighted that this plant will not only contribute to the industrial development of the region, but will also provide a strong economic boost. He also mentioned that the company is evaluating future projects, subject to the global lithium situation and incentive policies for large investments in Argentina.
I congratulate the Governor of Salta @GustavoSaenz OK for the inauguration of the lithium hydroxide plant, and I extend my greetings to all the Governors of the north who are promoting, of the
hand of RIGI, Argentine mining that is so important for our country.
VLLC! https://t.co/U8gHyBy0BF— Javier Milei (@JMilei) October 24, 2024
For his part, Jun Hyung Kim, executive vice president of Rechargeable Battery Business at Posco Holdings, expressed his hope that the plant will be a model of positive impact for both the environment and local communities. Posco reaffirmed its commitment to operate in a safe and sustainable manner, collaborating closely with local communities in the development of the region.
The inauguration was attended by high officials, such as the Secretary of Mining of the Nation, Luis Lucero, and the governors of Catamarca and Jujuy, Raúl Jalil and Carlos Sadir, respectively. Posco Argentina executives, legislators and representatives of local communities also participated. After the ceremony, attendees took a tour of the new plant facilities, which marks a before and after in the mining industry of Salta.
Source: https://reporteasia.com/especiales/litio/2024/10/24/posco-inaugura-planta-comercial-hidroxido-litio-salta/
