Dubai-based United Mining Initiatives Company (UMPC) plans to start producing battery-grade lithium in Argentina subsequent 12 months, aiming to ship 5,000 metric tons in 2027 and double that in 2028, CEO Bradley Pielsticker stated in an interview.
Argentina is the world’s fourth-largest lithium producer, with a pipeline of initiatives led by worldwide corporations set to ramp up within the coming months.
UMPC will function in Argentina’s Catamarca province via its subsidiary Marhen Lithium, and is presently analyzing its first manufacturing samples, Pielsticker stated within the interview on Friday, after final month saying a USD 550 million funding within the challenge.
The corporate continues to be figuring out which extraction technique to make use of, however will probably start with a mixture of direct lithium extraction (DLE) and evaporation swimming pools.
“We’re what steps we’ll take with the pilot plant, which we count on to have working subsequent 12 months,” Pielsticker stated. “We’re direct extraction to assist us handle water assets extra effectively.”
Argentina, weathering a chronic financial disaster with a scarcity of overseas forex, is betting on elevated mining exports to spice up the nation’s coffers. Lithium output grew almost a 3rd in 2023 in comparison with the prior 12 months.
Pielsticker stated he helps a proposal from President Javier Milei, below dialogue in Congress, to provide taxes, customs and change fee advantages to massive initiatives.
“We’re delighted with the overall concept of modifications that laws may convey to mining initiatives,” Pielsticker stated.
