Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes

Owner: Ganfeng Lithium

Operator: Litica Resources

Investment: US$ 338 M

Entry into Operation: Dec 2026

China's Ganfeng Lithium is making progress on the Pozuelo-Pastos Grandes project and plans to enter the construction phase during the first quarter of 2024. It is a lithium brine project involving a combined operation of two sections. The Pozuelos section is comprised of two main mining groups, Lithea Norte and Lithea Sur, which cover 10,787ha and are centered on the Salar de Pozuelos. The Pastos Grandes section, in Salar Pastos Grandes, is located at an elevation of approximately 3,700m above sea level. The salar has a basin area of approximately 25km2. The Pastos Grandes property is close to major national and provincial highways. The project is located 230km west of the city of Salta and 150km east of the Chilean border.

Carmen lithium plant

Owner: SQM Salar

Investment: US$ 987 M

Entry into Operation: 2024

Among the initiatives due to start up in 2024 is the increase in production capacity at the owned by the Chilean company SQM Salar.

Falchani

Owner: American Lithium Corp

Investment: US$ 700 M

Entry into Operation: 2025

Canada's American Lithium Corp submitted last November an early environmental permit study for its Falchani lithium project in southern Peru and expects approval in coming months, which could help fast-track construction permits. American Lithium said its semi-detailed environmental impact assessment already allows for the drilling of up to 420 platforms across the project.

Last month, American Lithium hiked its estimates for the project by 476% from 2019, saying it could hold 5.53 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent, which would make it one of the world's largest hard-rock lithium projects.

Earlier this year, Clarke said construction could begin next year or in 2025.