Fiambalá, Catamarca, Argentina — On September 12, 2025, Zijin Mining, a major global metals miner, celebrated the start of production at its Tres Quebradas lithium project, which has an initial Phase 1 production capacity of 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate per year. The ceremony marked a pivotal breakthrough for Zijin’s lithium extraction operations in South America and the dawn of a new chapter for its renewable energy business.
More than 100 representatives from Argentina’s national and provincial authorities, local communities, unions, and media attended the event, including Raúl Jalil, Governor of Catamarca Province; National Senator Lucía Corpacci; National Deputy Silvana Ginocchio; Paola Fedeli, President of Catamarca’s legislature; and Zijin’s Chairman Chen Jinghe.
Rapid Execution
In his remarks, Chairman Chen highlighted the speedy project delivery Zijin’s on-site team achieved by overcoming significant challenges. The team, composed of Chinese and Argentine employees, launched the construction of Tres Quebradas’s Phase I within 2 months of Zijin’s acquisition of the project in January 2022. Despite the remote and high-altitude location of the lithium salar, harsh climate, pandemic-related disruptions, policy factors, and extreme lithium price volatility, the team completed construction and commissioning with ingenuity, achieving what he termed “Zijin Speed” in Argentina.
Chairman Chen added that Tres Quebradas is Zijin’s first mining operation in Argentina, but not the last. With a vast territory and favorable geology for metals like copper and gold, Argentina holds huge potential for new discoveries. Zijin is well placed to capitalize on this opportunity through its end-to-end, in-house capabilities spanning R&D, engineering, mine construction, and operations. This approach provides distinct advantages in investment, cost control, and operational efficiency, positioning the company as a strong player in exploring for and tapping into Argentina’s mineral wealth.
Chairman Chen emphasized that Zijin’s operations in the country will deepen local integration, prioritize hiring community members, and help expand local mining value chains, contributing to Argentina’s economic and social development and the improvement of living standards.
300,000 Tonnes by 2028
Zijin holds quality lithium resources from two lithium brine projects and two hard-rock mines, with lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) resources exceeding 17.88 million tonnes, placing it among first-tier global lithium miners. The company plans to reach an annual output of 250,000 to 300,000 tonnes of LCE by 2028.
At Tres Quebradas, the significant resource base and high lithium concentration provide a foundation to build the world’s most competitive, eco-friendly lithium brine operation. Early activities for its Phase II, including permitting, are underway. The expansion will add 40,000 tonnes of annual capacity using the most advanced adsorption-based lithium extraction technology. This process offers high metal recovery, low operating costs, and strong environmental performance—no drawdown of lake water levels and no harmful discharge. Once Phase I and Phase II achieve design capacity, their combined annual output will reach 60,000 to 80,000 tonnes, providing robust momentum for Zijin’s push to become the world’s largest lithium producer.
Voices from the Ceremony
Raúl Jalil, Governor of Catamarca, said: “Through this project, Zijin brings not only advanced lithium extraction capabilities but also jobs and economic growth. Your investments in power transmission lines, bridges, and other infrastructure inject strong impetus into development in Fiambalá and its neighboring areas. Zijin is an important driver of industrial upgrading and integrated production in Catamarca, and we look forward to deepening our cooperation.”
Raúl Úsqueda, Mayor of Fiambalá, noted: “The lithium industry brings more than technological innovation and clean energy. It is critical to the reopening of the San Francisco international border crossing and to improving the wellbeing of local communities. The municipal government has set up a Mining Secretariat to work with companies, ensuring that new development benefits our residents and creates more high-quality job opportunities for our youth.”
Wang Wei, Chinese Ambassador to Argentina，said: “This project is a significant testament to the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Argentina and a major achievement in bilateral cooperation in the renewable energy sector.”
Translator: Li Yuanxing Reviser: Jian Editor-in-Chief: Fa Yuan