Lithium in Argentina and the Puna Region

Argentina stands out for its significant reserves of lithium located in salt flats, primarily in the Puna region, which includes areas such as the Salar del Hombre Muerto, Salar de Cauchari, and Salar de Olaroz. These salt flats are considered some of the most important and productive in terms of lithium extraction in the country.

Key aspects to consider about lithium in Argentina include:

1. Abundance of Resources: Argentina is positioned as one of the leading global players in lithium production, leveraging its rich salt flats in the Puna region. These salt flats, including Salar del Hombre Muerto, Salar de Cauchari, and Salar de Olaroz, are recognized for containing some of the largest known lithium reserves globally.

2. Essential in the Battery Industry: Lithium plays a crucial role in the manufacture of batteries used in various electronic devices and electric vehicles. The presence of these salt flats and lithium extraction in Argentina has a significant impact on the lithium-ion battery industry, contributing to the development and expansion of this technology worldwide.

3. Contribution to Sustainability: Lithium production in Argentina not only drives the country's economy but also aligns with global efforts towards a more sustainable energy transition and combating climate change. The use of lithium in storing energy from renewable sources is fundamental to promoting a cleaner and more efficient energy system, altering the energy matrix in a clean manner by highlighting the relevance of Argentine salt flats in this scenario.

With its renowned salt flats and prominent role in lithium production, Argentina must play a crucial role in the global mining and energy industry, contributing to the promotion of more sustainable and environmentally respectful energy solutions.

This lithium production must be done with social inclusion and using the best mineral extraction technologies:

Some of the most relevant municipalities and communes close to these lithium salt flats are:

1. Municipality Tolar Grande: Located in the province of Salta, it is one of the municipalities near the Salar del Hombre Muerto. Its proximity to this important lithium reserve makes it a key point in the local and regional industry

2. Municipality of San Antonio de los Cobres: The municipality of San Antonio de los Cobres, located in the province of Salta and close to the Puna region, is another key point in the production of lithium in Argentina. Its proximity to salt flats such as the Salar del Hombre Muerto gives it a strategic role in the mining and energy industry of the area, contributing to sustainable development and local economic growth.

3. Commune of Susques: Also located in the province of Salta, it is in the vicinity of the Salar de Cauchari. This commune plays an essential role in the management and development of the region's mineral resources, including lithium.

4. Commune of Pastos Chicos, Puesto Sey and Huancar: In the province of Jujuy and near the Salar de Olaroz, these communes play a prominent role in the production and logistics related to lithium, contributing to the economic growth and development of the region.

5. Antofagasta de la Sierra: This municipality is located in the homonymous department in Catamarca. It is known for its natural beauty and for hosting the highest volcano in Catamarca, the Antofagasta volcano. The population is mainly engaged in mining and livestock.

6. Fiambalá: It is located in the department of Tinogasta, Catamarca and is known for its hot springs. Fiambalá is an important starting point for excursions to the surrounding area, including the Antofalla salt flats and the San Francisco Pass.

7. Tinogasta: It is the head of the department of Tinogasta, Catamarca and stands out for its wine production, being an important wine region in Catamarca. In addition, Tinogasta is known for its colonial architecture, mountainous landscape, and proximity to lithium salt flats.

These municipalities and communes, located in the vicinity of the most important lithium salt flats in Argentina, are key activity centers in the extraction, processing and use of this fundamental resource for the battery industry and the transition to a more sustainable energy matrix. CEDHA works to ensure that these and other communities linked to lithium have the greatest possible benefit from the production of this mineral.