The project at the Salar Tres Quebradas will require 4,406 direct and indirect jobs and will prioritize the hiring of local suppliers during its construction and operation
The economic reconstruction of Argentina is advancing steadily through the implementation of market policies that restore confidence to international investors. In this context, the Government of Javier Milei announced the final approval to incorporate an ambitious lithium production project into the RIGI in the province of Catamarca, marking a milestone in national strategic mining.
This decision, formalized through Resolution 1153/2026 from the Ministry of Economy, is signed by Minister Luis Caputo and reaffirms the administration's commitment to regulatory stability and growth led by the private sector.
Salar Tres Quebradas
The venture, named Project 3Q, will be executed by the company LIEX S.A. (established as a Single Project Vehicle) in the Salar Tres Quebradas, located in the town of Fiambalá.
The private initiative involves a total investment of u$s 709 million, of which the company has already declared u$s 594.1 million in computable assets under the regime to ensure compliance with its obligations.
This capital injection is a direct response to the guarantees of tax, customs, and exchange rate stability for 30 years offered by the RIGI, a key tool of the Base Law to bury the uncertainties of the past.
In terms of social and labor impact, the project represents a prosperity engine for northwest Argentina. It is estimated that 4,406 direct and indirect jobs will be created during the construction and commercial operation phases.
Moreover, the supplier development plan ensures that 60.26% of the amount allocated for goods and works will be contracted to local suppliers, far exceeding the minimum national integration requirements set by law and strengthening the regional productive fabric.
From a technical and productive standpoint, the plant will utilize a direct extraction system to achieve a capacity of 40,000 tons per year of lithium carbonate. The development of the infrastructure will take place in the mining concessions Lodomar I, Lodomar II, and Lodomar IV.
The president, Javier Milei
According to the official schedule, construction will begin in June 2026, projecting the start of commercial operation for April 2029. To sustain this progress, the company must invest at least u$s 415.6 million in the first two years (u$s 107.5 million in the first and u$s 308 million in the second), with a deadline of November 30, 2027 to meet the minimum required amount.
The profitability and contribution of foreign currency to the country are indisputable. Once operational, the plant will generate annual exports close to u$s 400 million, leveraging resources that ensure more than 19 years of effective production.
In exchange for this bet on the country, LIEX S.A. will gain access to competitive benefits such as the import of capital goods without tariffs, incentives in the Income Tax, and a scheme of free availability of foreign currency.
This achievement is not an isolated event, but part of an unstoppable trend under the current administration. So far, the RIGI has formalized 16 approved projects with committed investments of u$s 29.892 million and the creation of 54,495 jobs.
With another 25 projects under evaluation for more than u$s 111,000 million, Argentina is once again positioning itself on the global map as a safe and prosperous destination for capital seeking freedom and profitability
