Cauchari-Olaroz

Cauchari-Olaroz is a large-scale lithium brine project located in the Jujuy province of north-western Argentina, in the lithium-rich region known as the 'lithium triangle'. The facility extracts lithium from underground brine deposits using evaporation and processing techniques to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate. It is jointly developed and operated through a partnership involving Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng Lithium, with the project's ownership structure shaped by corporate acquisitions in the sector, including the takeover of Millennial Lithium. The operation forms part of a broader push by Argentina to expand its position as a major global supplier of lithium, a critical raw material for electric-vehicle batteries and energy storage systems. Cauchari-Olaroz is regarded as one of the most significant new lithium brine operations to reach production in South America in recent years. Its output supplies battery manufacturers and materials processors, particularly in Asia, reflecting strong demand growth tied to the global energy transition. The project has attracted substantial international investment, underscoring the strategic importance of Argentine lithium resources. Development of the site has involved multi-year construction and ramp-up phases typical of large brine-based lithium projects. It sits within Salta and Jujuy's broader lithium corridor, alongside other regional projects. The facility's progress is closely watched as an indicator of Argentina's growing role in the global lithium supply chain.