Argentina approves $709 million lithium project in Catamarca under RIGI

Argentina’s Economy Ministry, led by Minister Luis Caputo, approved a new RIGI‑backed project to produce lithium carbonate at the Salar Tres Quebradas in Fiambalá, Catamarca. The investment totals US$709 million and includes a plant capable of 40,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year, expected to generate about US$400 million in export revenue annually and create 4,406 direct and indirect jobs. It is the 21st project approved under the Régimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones, bringing total RIGI commitments to over US$46.7 billion.

Energy consultant Juan José Carbajales warned that the RIGI figures are overstated, stating “Los US$100 000 millones tienen mucha letra chica”. He argued that only roughly US$7 billion of the announced investments are legally binding, with the rest being optional commitments, and highlighted challenges such as a shortage of skilled labor and social pressures in the Vaca Muerta region. Carbajales called for stricter analysis and long‑term planning to ensure the projects translate into sustainable economic and social benefits.