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Dubai mining firm plans to start Argentina lithium production next year

Dubaibased United Mining Projects Corporation (UMPC) prepares to start producing batterygrade lithium in Argentina next year, intending to provide 5,000 metric tons in 2027 and double that in 2028, CEO Bradley Pielsticker stated in an interview.

Argentina is the world's fourth-largest lithium producer, with a pipeline of jobs led by international business set to increase in the coming months.

UMPC will run in Argentina's Catamarca province through its subsidiary Marhen Lithium, and is presently evaluating its first production samples, Pielsticker stated in the interview on Friday, after last month revealing a $550 million financial investment in the job.

The business is still identifying which extraction method to use, but will likely start with a mix of direct lithium extraction (DLE) and evaporation pools.

We're looking at what actions we'll take with the pilot plant, which we expect to have running next year, Pielsticker stated. We're taking a look at direct extraction to help us handle water resources more effectively.

Argentina, weathering an extended recession with a. lack of foreign currency, is betting on increased mining. exports to boost the country's coffers. Lithium output grew. almost a third in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Pielsticker said he supports a proposition from President. Javier Milei, under discussion in Congress, to give taxes,. customizeds and currency exchange rate benefits to big jobs.

We are delighted with the general idea of changes that. legislation could give mining jobs, Pielsticker said.

(source: Reuters)