Tres Quebradas Salar
Tres Quebradas Salar
3Q Lithium Project
Tres Quebradas Salar

The project is located in South America’s renowned “lithium triangle” and is one of the largest and highest-grade lithium brine projects globally. The concession covers the entire salar surface and the brine lake, with abundant resources. Thanks to its good resource endowment, the project enjoys promising exploration prospects and significant potential for further discoveries and production expansion.

Tres Quebradas Salar
  • Location
    Catamarca, Argentina
  • Ownership
    100%
  • Project status
    Under construction
  • Deposit type
    Brine
  • Resource
    Lithium (LCE): 8.54Mt, Concentration: 624 mg/L
  • Lithium extraction method
    Evaporation and Precipitation
  • Construction Plan

    Phase 1 of the 3Q project, which has a production capacity of 20,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate per annum, has been completed. Phase 2, with a production capacity of 30,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate per annum, is under construction. After Phase 1 and 2 reach nameplate capacity, the project will have an annual capacity of 40,000 to 60,000 tonnes of LCE. 

  • M&A

    In early 2022, Zijin Mining acquired a 100% interest in Liex SA through the acquisition of Canada-based Neo Lithium. Liex’s core asset is the 3Q lithium salar.

ESG

The project supports community development, implementing a local employment strategy, conducting training for communities, and creating a large number of local job opportunities. It promotes local industrial development by advancing the procurement of goods from local suppliers and signing procurement contracts with several local suppliers of equipment, materials, and logistics services.

In addition, the company has developed an environmental management system that reflects Zijin’s characteristics and aligns with local cultural practices. It has been increasing the use of clean energy, such as solar power. Furthermore, the project continuously engages in reforestation and sand stabilization efforts.