Lithium Argentina Secures RIGI Approval for 45,000 tpa Stage 2 Expansion
Argentina’s Evaluation Committee approved Lithium Argentina’s Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 2 expansion under RIGI, targeting an additional 45,000 tpa of lithium carbonate equivalent. The regulatory backing secures 30 years of fiscal and foreign-exchange stability, reducing corporate tax to 25% and enabling US$200 million investment commitments, de-risking growth and enhancing cash-flow projections.
1. RIGI Approval Secured
Lithium Argentina’s Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 2 expansion has received Evaluation Committee approval under Argentina’s Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), marking a formal step toward ratification expected in June 2026. This endorsement de-risks the addition of 45,000 tpa of lithium carbonate equivalent on top of the current 40,000 tpa capacity.
2. Stage 2 Expansion Scale
Stage 2 targets 45,000 tonnes per annum of lithium carbonate equivalent, building on Stage 1’s 40,000 tpa operation which is generating strong cash flow. The project, 44.8% owned by Lithium Argentina with Ganfeng holding 46.7% and JEMSE 8.5%, underpins the company’s expansion strategy.
3. Incentive Regime Benefits
Under RIGI, Stage 2 gains 30 years of foreign-exchange, fiscal and customs stability, including a reduced 25% corporate tax rate, duty-free import of capital goods and exemptions on export duties after three years. These measures support US$200 million in accountable assets commitments, including US$80 million within two years of approval.
4. Development Roadmap and Next Steps
Next steps include final ratification in June 2026, completion of environmental permitting submitted in December 2025 and delivery of a definitive development plan by mid-2026. Concurrent RIGI application at Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes targets 150,000 tpa capacity and potential strategic partnerships to diversify the lithium chemicals supply chain.