Tres Quebradas Salar
Tres Quebradas Salar
3Q Lithium Project
Tres Quebradas Salar
Tres Quebradas Salar
  • Location
    Catamarca, Argentina
  • Ownership
    100%
  • Project status
    Under construction
  • Deposit type
    Brine
  • Resource
    Approximately 7.63Mt of LCE (lithium ion concentration at 400 mg/L cut-off)
  • Lithium extraction method
    Precipitation
  • Project Overview

    The project is located in the renowned lithium triangle in South America and is one of the largest and highest-grade projects of its kind globally. The concession covers the entire salar surface and the brine lake. With abundant high-grade resources, the project enjoys promising exploration prospects and significant potential for production expansion.

  • Construction Plan

    Phase 1 of the 3Q project is expected to commence production by the end of 2023, with a production capacity of 20,000 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate per annum. After Phase 1 and Phase 2 reach nameplate capacity, the project will have an annual capacity of 4 to 6 tonnes of LCE. 

  • ESG

    The project places great emphasis on the development of the host communities. During the construction phase, it sources a wide variety of products and services from local suppliers, such as oil and energy, power generators, construction equipment leasing, and administrative supplies.

    Furthermore, it supports skills training initiatives for community members. In 2022, the project provided training courses, investments, donations, and other forms of support, amounting to over 600,000 USD.

    To contribute to the global de-carbonization effort, the project adopts clean production processes, optimizes its energy mix, and strives to increase its use of clean energy like solar and wind power.


  • M&A

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