Zijin Mining has begun production at its Tres Quebradas lithium project in Fiambalá, Catamarca, Argentina. The project’s first phase will produce 20,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate annually. A ceremony to mark the start of operations was attended by over 100 representatives from government bodies, local communities, unions, and media.
The event included officials such as 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.
Chairman Chen highlighted the rapid progress made by Zijin’s team following the company’s acquisition of the project in January 2022. He noted that construction began within two months and was completed despite challenges such as the remote location, difficult climate conditions, pandemic disruptions, policy factors, and fluctuating lithium prices. Chen described this achievement as “Zijin Speed” in Argentina.
He stated that Tres Quebradas is Zijin’s first mining operation in Argentina but emphasized plans for further development due to the country’s favorable geology for metals like copper and gold. According to Chen Jinghe: “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.” He added that Zijin aims to integrate with local communities by hiring locally and supporting regional economic growth.
Looking ahead, Zijin holds resources exceeding 17.88 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) from two brine projects and two hard-rock mines worldwide. The company targets an annual output between 250,000 and 300,000 tonnes LCE by 2028.
At Tres Quebradas specifically, plans are underway for a second phase that would add another 40,000 tonnes per year using advanced adsorption-based extraction technology designed for high recovery rates with low environmental impact—such as avoiding lake water drawdown or harmful discharge. Once both phases reach full capacity at Tres Quebradas alone they are expected to deliver a combined output between 60,000 and 80,000 tonnes annually.
Governor Raúl Jalil 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 Fiambaláand its neighboring areas.Zijin is an important driver of industrial upgradingand integrated production in Catamarca,and we look forwardto deepening our cooperation.”
Raúl Úsqueda,the Mayorof Fiambalá remarked:“The lithium industry brings more than technological innovationand clean energy.It is criticalto the reopeningof the San Francisco international border crossingandto improvingthe wellbeingof local communities.The municipal governmenthas set upa Mining Secretariatto work with companies ensuringthat new development benefitsour residentsand creates more high-quality job opportunitiesfor our youth.”
Wang Wei,the Chinese Ambassador to Argentina said:“This projectis a significant testamentto the deepening comprehensive strategic partnershipbetween Chinaand Argentinaanda major achievementin bilateral cooperationinthe renewable energy sector.”
