(AGENPARL) – lun 14 ottobre 2024 Dear Members and Collaborators,
We are pleased to provide you with an in-depth overview of our participation in the 13th International Lithium Seminar, held on October 9 and 10, 2024, in San Salvador de Jujuy at Conectar Lab, which brought together over 1,500 participants, including government representatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders from the global mining sector. Organized by Panorama Minero, this event continues to be the leading meeting point to discuss trends and opportunities in the lithium industry in South America, with particular focus on the crucial role of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile in the Lithium Triangle.
Key Topics and Major Announcements
The event was inaugurated by the governors of the provinces of Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca, alongside Luis Lucero, the National Secretary of Mining, and Romina Sassarini, President of COFEMIN, with the involvement of European diplomats and representatives from leading mining companies. One of the most noteworthy announcements was the acquisition of Arcadium Lithium by Río Tinto, one of the world’s largest mining companies. This move highlights the growing interest of multinational corporations in Argentina’s mining potential. Analysts and industry insiders welcomed this acquisition with optimism, as it ensures the continuity of key projects and hints at a long-term rebound in lithium prices.
Institutional Addresses: Emphasis on Sustainability and Inclusion
The governors of Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca stressed the importance of sustainable mining, which can improve the quality of life for local communities, generate skilled employment, and respect the environment. Specifically, Jujuy’s governor, Carlos Sadir, stated that the NOA region is undergoing a “transformation process” driven by lithium, recognized as a key element in the global energy transition. The joint efforts of the three provinces are framed by the Lithium Roundtable, a platform promoting common policies and shared strategies to attract investment and ensure transparency in mining operations.
Growth Prospects and Future Challenges
According to the President of the Argentine Chamber of Mining Enterprises (CAEM), Roberto Cacciola, lithium carbonate production, currently around 32,000 tons per year, could reach 235,000 tons by 2036, representing a more than sevenfold increase. This growth places significant responsibility on industry stakeholders, particularly regarding sustainability standards and workforce training.
Cacciola also emphasized the importance of the “social license” obtained through the growing acceptance of mining activities among the Argentine population. Recent data shows that over 60% of the Argentine public is in favor of mining, a positive signal that must be accompanied by effective management of expectations and crises linked to price fluctuations.
Opportunities for Italian Technologies
This event served as an ideal platform to showcase Italian technologies for the mining sector, with a special focus on water treatment systems. The Italian Chamber of Commerce in Mendoza had the opportunity to meet numerous industry representatives, exploring potential collaborations to support the implementation of innovative and sustainable solutions. Lithium, being a crucial element for batteries and the transition to clean energy, offers significant growth opportunities for Italian companies specializing in green and sustainable technologies.
Conclusion
Our participation in this symposium not only strengthened our network but also laid the foundation for new business opportunities between Argentina and Italy in the lithium sector. We encourage all our members and partners to closely follow developments in this market and to consider the importance of integrating innovative solutions to address sustainability and energy transition challenges.
For further details or to discuss potential collaborations, feel free to reach out to us.
Best regards,
Italian Chamber of Commerce in Mendoza
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CCI Mendoza – Belgrano 28 Ciudad de Mendoza – Argentina
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