Catamarca boosts lithium: investments of USD 530 million and strong increase in exports

Catamarca is progressing in its consolidation as one of the key lithium poles in Argentina. Governor Raúl Jalil confirmed private investment of more than $530 million for the expansion of the Fénix project, a strategic initiative that will increase production and boost mineral exports

.

The announcement is part of the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), a central tool of the national government to attract capital in strategic sectors such as mining, energy and infrastructure.

More lithium production and exports of USD 165 million

The expansion of the Fénix project will add 9,500 tons per year of lithium production, one of the most demanded resources globally due to its key role in the energy transition and the technology industry

.

In addition, the venture will generate exports estimated at more than USD 165 million annually, strengthening foreign exchange inflows and bringing dynamism to the regional economy.

“This translates into concrete work for our people,” said Jalil, who stressed that the project will generate employment and new opportunities for the province.

Employment generation and local development

The impact of the project is not limited to production and export. According to official data, the expansion of the development will involve:

• More than 1,100 jobs in the construction phase

• More than 500 jobs during the operation

Growth of local suppliers and value chains

These numbers reflect the potential of lithium as a development engine for northern Argentina, in line with the strategy of positioning Catamarca as a relevant player in

the global market.

RIGI's role in attracting investment Prior to the

governor's announcement, Economy Minister Luis Caputo confirmed that the RIGI evaluation committee approved the expansion of the Phoenix project

.

The initiative is operated by Rio Tinto in the Salar del Hombre Muerto, one of the country's main lithium deposits.

RIGI appears to be a key tool for unlocking large scale investments, providing predictability and competitive conditions to attract international capital. In this sense, the progress of the Fénix project is seen as a positive sign for the mining sector

.

Catamarca positions itself as a key player in lithium

With this new impetus, Catamarca reinforces its position within the so-called “lithium triangle”, one of the regions with the largest reserves in the world

.

The province seeks to capitalize on this strategic resource to generate sustained growth, employment and economic development, in a context where global demand for lithium continues to expand.

The combination of private investments, state incentives and natural resources places Catamarca in a privileged position to become one of the main lithium production hubs in the region.