Eramet has announced the successful production of its first lithium carbonate at the newly commissioned Centenario plant in Salta Province, Argentina. This milestone marks a significant step for Eramet as the facility is the first to deploy its advanced Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) technology on an industrial scale. The DLE process, recognized for its sustainability and efficiency, produces high-quality lithium carbonate suitable for electric vehicle (EV) batteries.

The Centenario plant is designed to produce 24,000 tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate. Once operating at full capacity, it is expected to rank in the first quartile of the global lithium industry's cost curve, showcasing its competitiveness. Remarkably, Eramet achieved this milestone in under three years since beginning construction of the plant.

The Centenario-Ratones salar, where the facility is located, holds over 15 million tons of Lithium Carbonate Equivalent (LCE) in drainable mineral resources. With an average lithium concentration of 407 mg/L in the brine, this world-class resource offers substantial long-term growth potential. Eramet envisions scaling production capacity beyond 75,000 tons of LCE annually, leveraging the site's rich deposits.

On October 24, Eramet regained full ownership of its flagship lithium operations in Argentina, acquiring the 49.9% stake of its former joint-venture partner in Eramine, which fully owns the Centenario plant. This strategic move underscores the company’s commitment to advancing its role in the energy transition sector.

Christel Bories, Chair and CEO of Eramet, emphasized the importance of this achievement: "The start of lithium production at Centenario is a key milestone in our diversification into metals essential for the energy transition. This positions Eramet as the first European company to produce lithium carbonate on an industrial scale. I extend my gratitude to our teams for their dedication and perseverance in delivering this complex project within an impressive timeframe. Despite the logistical, technical, and meteorological challenges of operating at 4,000 meters above sea level in the remote Andean Highlands, we have achieved a remarkable success."

Looking ahead, Eramet plans to ramp up production in 2025, aiming to establish itself as a leading global player in sustainable lithium production. This achievement solidifies Eramet's position in supporting the growing demand for materials critical to the energy transition, particularly in the EV market.

Eramet harnesses the Earth's mineral resources to deliver sustainable and responsible solutions for industrial growth and the demands of the energy transition.

Across all the countries where this mining and metallurgical group operates, its employees are dedicated to a civic-minded and contributive approach, ensuring positive local and global impacts.

Specializing in manganese, nickel, mineral sands, and lithium, Eramet focuses on recovering and advancing essential metals to build a more sustainable future.