Eramet applies for Argentine RIGI scheme to expand its Centenario-Ratones lithium site
The French mining and metallurgical group has confirmed its intention to apply for the Argentine RIGI incentive framework to finance an initial expansion of its Centenario-Ratones lithium site, located in Salta province. This announcement was made during a meeting between Christel Bories, Chief Executive Officer of Eramet, and President Javier Milei at Argentina Week in Paris.
A first expansion of 11 kt-LCE per year envisaged in Salta
Eramet had announced in July a project for an initial expansion of its Centenario-Ratones lithium operation, through an enlargement of the existing site (brownfield), following the completion of the prefeasibility study. The envisaged expansion would add 11 kt-LCE per year of lithium carbonate production capacity, beyond the current annual nominal capacity of 24 kt-LCE.
The project would represent a potential additional investment of approximately 350 million dollars, subject to a final investment decision, which could be made by the end of 2027. This investment would be partly financed by cash generated by the existing plant. Detailed engineering studies are currently underway.
According to the group, the project was designed to offer lower capital intensity while strengthening the operation's positioning in the first quartile of the global lithium industry cost curve.
The RIGI framework highlighted for the next phase
The Régimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones (RIGI) offers tax, customs and exchange incentives, as well as regulatory stability over 30 years. By seeking its inclusion under this scheme, Eramet indicates that it wishes to align the next phase of Centenario-Ratones with Argentina's efforts to attract investment and develop its lithium industry.
The group recalls developing its lithium activities in Argentina since 2011 and discovering the Centenario-Ratones salt flat in 2012. With a total investment of approximately 950 million dollars in the first 24 kt-LCE direct lithium extraction (DLE) plant, Centenario-Ratones constitutes, according to Eramet, one of the largest French industrial investments in Argentina.
The plant reached 90% of its nominal capacity in June 2026, approximately one year after its startup, and is progressing toward a level close to 100% nominal capacity by the end of 2026. The salt flat presents drainable mineral resources exceeding 15 Mt-LCE.
