CEDHA Participated in International Lithium Seminar

The event took place in Jujuy and brought together governors from Argentina's Northwest (NOA), national mining officials, executives from leading companies in the sector, and diplomatic representatives.

Recently, the Center for Human Rights and Environment (CEDHA) took part in the 13th International Seminar 'Lithium in South America 2024,' organized by Panorama Minero magazine as part of the Government of Jujuy’s development agenda, which is focused on a just energy transition.

The seminar was presented to stakeholders in the sector as a platform for exploring opportunities, discussing various aspects of mining development, investment outlooks, technological knowledge exchange, and business networking.

Activities were held at the Conectar Lab venue in Ciudad Cultural, Jujuy, and covered topics related to lithium production in the region, all within the broader context of global economic challenges.

From London to San Salvador

The opening ceremony featured governors from the provinces comprising the Lithium Roundtable: Carlos Sadir of Jujuy, Raúl Jalil of Catamarca, and Gustavo Sáenz of Salta. Other attendees included National Secretary of Mining Luis Lucero, President of the Federal Mining Council Romina Sassarini, President of the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies Roberto Cacciola, French Ambassador to Argentina Romain Nadal, EU Ambassador Amador Sánchez Rico, Jujuy's Vice Governor Alberto Bernis, Government Secretary General Freddy Morales, San Salvador de Jujuy Mayor Raúl Jorge, and former Jujuy Governor Gerardo Morales.

The northern governors had recently returned from a mission in London aimed at attracting investment to boost lithium production in the region, strengthen the value chain, and consolidate a network of local suppliers.

In this context, Governor Sadir highlighted the 'strong turnout and interest' shown by 'so many public and private institutions' at 'such a significant moment when the present and future of our region are more connected than ever.'

He emphasized that 'the region is undergoing a major transformation' and added, 'what we are building today is not only to improve the quality of life of our people, but also to position ourselves as key players in regional, national, and global development.'

The Importance of a Critical Mineral

Later in his address, the host governor thanked the organizers for choosing Jujuy as the seminar’s venue. He emphasized the importance of lithium as 'a critical mineral for the transition to clean energy, which is what the world demands today,' and noted that 'those of us who play a central role in ensuring the sustainability of this activity have a responsibility to protect the environment, respect the land, and care for our communities.'

He also stressed that mining development 'translates into new jobs and improved quality of life for our people.'

The seminar also included the participation of national and international experts in the field, along with major financial institutions such as JP Morgan and the World Bank. Prominent consulting firms in attendance included Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, S&P Global Platts, CRU, and Fastmarkets, as well as organizations like the Stockholm Environment Institute and multinational companies such as Arcadium Lithium and Ganfeng Lithium, among others.