The mining company in charge of the Hombre Muerto Oeste (HMW) project has confirmed a new investment of 200 million dollars to carry out the construction of the new phase, aimed at the production of lithium chloride in the Catamarca Puna. The construction of this phase is expected to be completed in 2026, with lithium chloride production starting in 2027 and a projection to produce up to 20,850 tons per year of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).
The capital amount to be invested will be allocated to the construction of necessary infrastructure, such as 250 hectares of evaporation ponds, a reagent plant for brine treatment, a power generation plant, water supply, a camp, offices, workshops, among other works. In addition, it is estimated that at least 250 people will be permanently employed in the HMW project.
During the construction phase, it is expected that at least 750 people will be employed until the project is completed. It is important to highlight that HMW has the potential for additional expansions through Phases 3 and 4, which could increase the annual LCE production to 40,000 and 60,000 tons, respectively.
Governor Raúl Jalil has celebrated this new investment, noting that it will generate more job opportunities for the people of Catamarca, as well as a boost to the province's development. Catamarca thus becomes the second province to implement a project under the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) scheme, after Mendoza.
The HMW project is located near other renowned lithium projects and aims to produce high-quality lithium chloride that can be converted into battery-grade lithium carbonate. Currently, the construction of Phase 1 of the project is underway to initiate production in the coming years.
