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Argentine lithium output up by nearly half in first 4 months of 2024

Lithium extraction in Argentina, the world's 4th biggest manufacturer of the metal, risen by 49.7% from January through April compared to the exact same fourmonth duration last year, information from national data company Indec showed on Friday.

WHY IS IT ESSENTIAL

Lithium, the ultra-light metal yearned for by rechargeable battery makers, is experiencing a boom in Argentina, fueled by new project and investment statements.

The South American nation, part of the so-called lithium. triangle in addition to Chile and Bolivia, has attracted. financial investments from foreign companies in Canada and China, amongst. others, as the almost six-month-old federal government of libertarian. President Javier Milei seeks to reverse an extended financial. depression driven by triple-digit inflation.

CONTEXT. * Last month, Eramine Sudamerica - of French group Eramet. - and Chinese steel business Tsingsham announced the. inauguration, set for July, of their very first lithium carbonate. plant in northern Salta province. * Lithium, which is required for future fleets of electric. lorries, saw its rate skyrocket recently before. plunging last year largely due to slowing EV sales in China.

(source: Reuters)