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2025-02
Official Operation of the Mariana Project in Argentina Designed by China Nerin for Ganfeng Lithium
On February 12, Phase I of the Mariana Project in Argentina, designed by China Nerin Engineering Co., Ltd. for Ganfeng Lithium, successfully commenced full operation, marking a solid step forward for the company in the overseas lithium resource development sector.
Located in the Salta Province, Argentina, the Mariana Lithium Salt Lake Project boasts a total explored lithium resource of approximately 8.121 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE). This makes it a treasure repository of lithium resources with immense potential. The project encompasses two sites: the Llullaillaco salt lake (Mariana) at an altitude of 3,800 meters and the chemical plant (Guemes) in the Industrial Park of Salta. These locations pose significant challenges in terms of material transportation and construction. Utilizing a typical chemical precipitation method, the project has an annual production capacity of 20,000 tonnes of lithium chloride.
Image: Production site at the Mariana salt lake plant area
This project stands as a milestone for China Nerin in the South American "Lithium Triangle" region. It is the first engineering design project based on a complex standard system including Argentine IRAM/CIRSOC standards, ANSI/ASTM American standards, and IEC international standards. The complex design standard system and stringent drawing review requirements posed unprecedented challenges to the engineering design team. However, through its robust technical strength and relentless efforts, China Nerin successfully overcame these hurdles. Today, China Nerin has become one of the few engineering companies in China capable of designing lithium extraction projects from salt lakes under the complex standard system of Argentina.
As a significant project in Argentina's "Lithium Triangle" region, the smooth commencement of operation at the Mariana Project has injected robust momentum into the development of the lithium extraction industry from salt lakes in the country. It has driven technological innovation and capacity enhancement in the local lithium industry. Furthermore, this project fully demonstrates China Nerin's technical strength in undertaking international engineering projects, further elevating the company's position in the global renewable energy sector, particularly in the field of lithium extraction engineering from salt lakes in South America.