The governor of Salta, Gustavo Sáenz, announced this morning the approval of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIA) for the first stage of the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) project, belonging to the company Ganfeng Lithium. "Another historic milestone for our province," he affirmed. With an estimated annual production of 50,000 tons of lithium carbonate, it will be one of the most important lithium production projects in Argentina. The initiative foresees an estimated investment of more than 2,000 million dollars in different stages of development. It has an estimated useful life of 25 years, a three-year start-up period, and a projected production of up to 50,000 tons per year. It should be highlighted that this Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) project could become the largest in Argentina, considering the company's projections to scale its production up to 150,000 tons of lithium carbonate per year, once the corresponding technical and environmental presentations are completed. The recently granted Environmental Impact Statement authorizes a production of 50,000 tons per year at this stage, marking the first step within a large-scale development that would position Salta at the forefront of lithium in the country and the region. The Secretary of Mining, Romina Sassarini, explained that the progress of the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project reflects the sustainable mining policy promoted by the Government of Salta, aimed at strengthening the productive value chain, promoting responsible private investment, and ensuring that the benefits of development reach local communities. Furthermore, it consolidates Salta as the province with the most lithium projects in all its phases, leading the country's mining development. "This new project demonstrates that the state policy applied in Salta translates into work, opportunities, and production for the people of Salta," stated the official. Sáenz added that "that same state policy adds a new chapter with the recent commitment from Ganfeng and CAPEMISA to work together so that Salta suppliers have new opportunities". The Project The Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) project unifies the developments of the Pastos Grandes and Pozuelos salt flats, covering an extensive area in the Salta Puna. Currently, 5 of the 9 projects authorized to produce lithium in Argentina are located in Salta territory, of which 3 are already starting their production and 2 have approval to begin their construction and subsequent start-up. It will be developed in three phases and foresees an estimated investment of 2,000 million dollars, consolidating itself as one of the most significant initiatives within Ganfeng's expansion plan, which already has its industrial plant in General Güemes and the Mariana project in the Puna. Additionally, the company projects applying for the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) with PPG, which will allow for the optimization of the comprehensive development of the proposal. It extends over the basins of the Pastos Grandes Salt Flat and the Pozuelos Salt Flat.
