The Embassy of the Argentine Republic in Singapore is pleased to share the following investment opportunity in the Province of Catamarca, in the critical minerals sector.
The Lithiumcycle Technologies Argentina (LTA) Project, developed by COMISA S.R.L., seeks to produce 2,000 tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) at the Archibarca Salt Flat, located at approximately 4,000 metres above sea level in the Puna of Catamarca Province, Northwestern Argentina. The salt flat lies within the "Lithium Triangle," an area containing some of the largest lithium reserves in the world.
Estimated reserves stand at 156,656 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, confirmed through rotary drilling wells reaching depths of up to 250 metres, supporting a projected mine life of 78 years at the initial extraction rate. The project is structured in three successive expansion stages, beginning with 2,000 tons per year and scaling up to a total of 20,000 tons per year.
Extraction and processing will use the Direct Lithium Extraction and Crystallization (DLEC™) method, proven and patented by Watercycle Technologies Ltd (United Kingdom). This technology provides a circular, low-impact, and commercially viable approach to producing one of the world's most critical materials. The modular plants will be manufactured in the United Kingdom and installed by Watercycle Technologies engineers at the production site in Argentina.
The project incorporates three core commitments: the use of 100% renewable energy (solar/wind) and a low-impact brine reinjection method; a community development programme allocating 2% of annual profits in compliance with Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) protocols; and annual external audits under the standards of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI).
The project is currently in an advanced exploration stage. Surface exploration, geophysical surveys, drilling of two rotary wells, chemical analyses, and pumping tests have been completed. All legal and technical approvals for the current stage are in place. Next steps include establishing a subsidiary company in Argentina, conducting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and proceeding with the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS), and Feasibility Study (FS).
Total estimated capital expenditure (CAPEX) to reach initial production amounts to USD 27,648,000, structured across five phases over 27 months. By contributing this investment, the investor acquires a 50.1% controlling stake in the project. The target investor profile is a company or fund specialised in mining with a strategic interest in critical minerals.
Economic projections, based on an operating cost (OPEX) of USD 4,600 per ton, estimate annual gross profit of between USD 22.8 million and USD 30.8 million depending on the price scenario. Total project profit over the full mine life could reach up to USD 2.4 billion before taxes.
The project is led by Mr. Hugo Chirino, Mining Engineer (National University of San Juan), with over three decades of experience in the private mining sector in Argentina, Brazil, and Chile. In 2021, he served as Secretary of Environmental Management and Mining Control at the Ministry of Mining of San Juan Province.
For further information, please contact the Commercial Section of the Embassy at: embargentina_trade@mrecic.gov.ar
The following documents are available for download:
- Project Fact Sheet – Summary of the LTA Project: reserves, technology, investment structure and financial projections
- Full LTA Project Presentation – Comprehensive technical and economic documentation
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Project Fact Sheet | 74.43 KB |
| Full LTA Project Presentation | 1.69 MB |