Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng Announce PPG Scoping Study Results and Stage 1 Environmental Approval

Core Viewpoint - Lithium Argentina AG and Ganfeng Lithium Group have announced the results of the Scoping Study for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes lithium brine project, highlighting a significant partnership aimed at advancing lithium production in Argentina [1][4]. Project Overview - The PPG Project integrates three projects owned by Ganfeng and Lithium Argentina, with Ganfeng holding a 67% stake and Lithium Argentina holding 33% [1][14]. - The project is located in Salta Province, Argentina, and is designed to produce primarily lithium carbonate, with flexibility for lithium hydroxide and lithium chloride [12][9]. Environmental Approval - The Environmental Impact Statement (DIA) for Stage 1 of the PPG Project was issued by the Secretariat of Mining and Energy of Salta Province after a 14-month review [2][5]. Scoping Study Results - The Scoping Study indicates an annual production capacity of 150,000 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) over a 30-year project life, with Stage 1 targeting 50,000 tpa [6][7]. - The project has a measured and indicated resource of 15.1 million tonnes (Mt) of LCE, making it one of the largest undeveloped lithium brine resources globally [7]. Economic Metrics - The estimated initial capital cost for Stage 1 is $1.1 billion, with a total capital cost of $3.3 billion over the project's life [8][22]. - At a lithium carbonate price of $18,000 per tonne, the after-tax NPV at an 8% discount rate is projected to be $8.1 billion, with an internal rate of return (IRR) of 33% [8][27]. Operating Costs - The operating cash cost is estimated at $5,027 per tonne, with an all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of $5,351 per tonne over the project's life [7][38]. - For Stage 1, the projected operating cash cost is $5,344 per tonne [20][38]. Financing and Development - The company is exploring financing options, including debt, offtake agreements, and minority equity investments to support Stage 1 development [35][36]. - The project aims to leverage Argentina's Régimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones (RIGI) framework to enhance long-term competitiveness and improve after-tax cash flow [21]. Next Steps - The RIGI application is expected to be submitted in the first half of 2026, following the receipt of the environmental permit [35][21]. - A technical report compliant with NI 43-101 standards will be filed within 45 days of the announcement [5][40].