Liex secures RIGI approval for $709M expansion of Tres Quebradas lithium project in Catamarca, Argentina
Type: Investment · Technology: Mining · Country: Argentina · Announced: 2026-07-16
Liex, the Argentine subsidiary of Chinese mining group Zijin Mining, received approval from Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) Evaluator Committee for a $709 million investment to expand its Tres Quebradas lithium project in Catamarca. The project involves constructing a plant with an annual production capacity of 40,000 tons of lithium carbonate. This expansion includes building processing facilities, brine extraction wells, transport pipelines, purification systems, roads, and industrial auxiliary installations. The initiative is projected to create 4,406 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, with exports estimated to generate $400 million annually. The approval is a preliminary step before formal adherence to the RIGI, which grants tax, customs, and exchange benefits, along with long-term regulatory stability.
Analysis
Liex, an Argentine subsidiary of Zijin Mining, secured RIGI approval on July 16, 2026, for a $709 million investment to expand its Tres Quebradas lithium project in Catamarca, Argentina. This expansion involves constructing a plant with an annual production capacity of 40,000 tons of lithium carbonate. The project includes building processing facilities, brine extraction wells, transport pipelines, purification systems, roads, and industrial auxiliary installations. The initiative is projected to create 4,406 direct and indirect jobs during construction and operation, with exports estimated to generate $400 million annually. This approval is a preliminary step before formal adherence to the RIGI, which grants tax, customs, and exchange benefits, along with long-term regulatory stability.
Key points
- Liex, a subsidiary of Zijin Mining, secured RIGI approval on July 16, 2026.
- The investment is valued at $709 million for the Tres Quebradas lithium project.
- The project will have an annual production capacity of 40,000 tons of lithium carbonate.
- The initiative is projected to create 4,406 direct and indirect jobs.
- Exports are estimated to generate $400 million annually.
Counterparties
- Zijin Mining (Parent Company)
- Liex (Developer)