Lithium production expands in Argentina and Bolivia

lithium mining South America energy transition salt flats direct lithium extraction

In Argentina, the 15th International Lithium Seminar in Jujuy highlighted the region's growing importance in the global energy transition. Officials and industry leaders discussed the potential for Argentina to become a top global lithium producer, with projections suggesting production could exceed 500,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent within seven to eight years. To support this growth, a new laboratory for direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology training has been opened in Palpalá through a partnership between JEMSE, the National University of Jujuy (UNJu), and CNGR.

Mining chambers in Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca have called for critical infrastructure improvements, specifically the reactivation of the Belgrano Cargas railway branches C14 and C15, to facilitate production expansion. Additionally, Jujuy has received international recognition for its renewable energy initiatives, including the Santa Ana solar village.

In Bolivia, the government has established an interministerial commission to create an integral development plan for the country's 28 salt flats. This initiative aims to move beyond simple mineral extraction to foster broader economic growth and infrastructure development for local communities residing near the salt flats.

Entities

Alberto Bernis · Argentina · Axel Kicillof · Bolivia · Buenos Aires · Carlos Sadir · Cámara Argentina de Empresas Mineras · European Union · JEMSE · Jujuy · Lithium · Panorama Minero

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Mining chambers demand strategic infrastructure improvements, including the reactivation of the Belgrano Cargas railway branches C14 and C15. elsubmarinojujuy.com.ar
[● 3 SOURCES] The European Union is exploring cooperation in Jujuy through the Global Gateway program for training and infrastructure. www.somosjujuy.com.ar · jujuyonlinenoticias.com.ar
[● 2 SOURCES] Mining in Jujuy generates more than 10,000 direct and indirect jobs. www.periodicociudad.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Argentina is projected to potentially exceed 500,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent production within seven to eight years. ciudadano.news
[● 2 SOURCES] The mining sector in Jujuy represents more than 10% of the province's GDP. www.periodicociudad.com
[● 3 SOURCES] Bolivia established an interministerial commission to develop its 28 salt flats. www.periodicolea.com.ar · exitonoticias.com.bo
[○ 1 SOURCE] JEMSE, UNJu, and CNGR opened a laboratory for direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology training. www.periodicociudad.com