Eramet inaugurated its direct lithium extraction plant in Argentina, becoming the first European company to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate at industrial scale. Start of the commissioning of the Centenario direct lithium extraction plant, located in Salta Province, Argentina; first production planned in November 2024. A key milestone in Eramet?s strategic development into producing metals for energy transition.

A technological achievement at 4,000 m of altitude, implementing at industrial scale one of the most advanced Direct Lithium Extraction (?DLE?) process, developed in-house. Centenario Phase 1 is designed to extract and produce 24,000 t/year1 of battery-grade lithium carbonate at full capacity, and should be positioned in the 1st quartile of the lithium industry cost-curve. A project developed according to the most stringent standards of sustainable mining, according to Act for Positive Mining roadmap.

The start of production is planned in November 2024. Ramp-up is expected to be achieved by mid-2025. At full capacity, the Centenario Phase 1 plant will produce 24,000 t/year1 battery-grade lithium carbonate equivalent (?LCE?), equivalent to the requirements for 600,000 electric vehicles/year.

Production will be very limited in 2024.