On 11 February 2025, Argentine President Javier Milei met with key industry leaders in Casa Rosada, engaging in high-level discussions with Sam Piggot, CEO of Lithium Americas, and Wang Xiaoshen, CEO of Ganfeng Lithium. The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation and investment opportunities in Argentina’s lithium sector, a key player in the global energy transition.
According to the Argentine government, the discussions aimed to unlock the full potential of lithium extraction and production in the country, ensuring Argentina’s position as a leading supplier of this critical mineral.
“The dialogue with the President of Argentina focused on strengthening cooperation to maximise lithium opportunities in the country and support the global transition towards clean energy,” stated Ganfeng Lithium in an official release.
From the Canadian side, Lithium Americas also reaffirmed its commitment to long-term investments in Argentina. “The conversation centred on ongoing investment and collaboration, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future for both Argentina and the global energy transition,” the company noted.
Beyond the presidential discussions, both executives also met with Minister of Economy, Luis Caputo, and Chief of the Cabinet of Ministers, Guillermo Francos, reinforcing Argentina’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment in the mining sector.
The two companies are partners in the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project in Jujuy, one of Argentina’s most significant lithium operations. In this project:
In addition to its stake in Cauchari-Olaroz, Ganfeng Lithium has expanded its presence in Argentina with several projects in Salta, including Pozuelos Pastos Grandes, Incahuasi, Sal de la Puna, and Mariana. The Mariana project is set to reach its operational phase, with a production capacity of 20,000 tonnes of lithium chloride per year.
In the coming days, Ganfeng will inaugurate a new lithium chloride production plant in the General Güemes Industrial Park, further consolidating its role as a major lithium producer in Argentina.
This is not the first time President Milei has met with global mining executives. His administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to attracting foreign investment in Argentina’s resource sector.
Over the past year, Milei has held discussions with:
With demand for lithium soaring due to the global shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage, Argentina is positioning itself as a key supplier in the lithium value chain. The country, along with Chile and Bolivia, forms part of the “Lithium Triangle,” holding over 50% of the world’s lithium resources.
The Argentine government’s continued engagement with international mining firms reflects its intention to:
- Strengthen foreign investment partnerships.
- Boost domestic lithium production capacity.
- nsure Argentina’s lithium reserves play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.
As the industry expands, collaboration between the public and private sectors will be essential to balancing economic growth with sustainable extraction practices. The latest high-level talks between Milei and leading lithium CEOs reaffirm Argentina’s strategic importance in the future of clean energy and battery technology.
Argentina is on a clear path to becoming a leading global lithium supplier, thanks to its rich resources, favourable policies, and strong international partnerships. With major players like Ganfeng and Lithium Americas investing in local projects, the country is well-positioned to capitalise on the booming lithium market.
Milei’s proactive approach to fostering foreign investment signals a new era for Argentina’s mining industry, one that could play a crucial role in shaping the future of sustainable energy worldwide.
