Lithium South Advances Environmental Impact Assessment for Future Lithium Project

Lithium South Development Corporation, commonly referred to as Lithium South, has recently announced significant progress regarding its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project, situated in Argentina's lithium-rich region. This announcement marks an important step in the company’s journey towards establishing a lithium production facility, pivotal for its long-term strategy.

In June 2025, the Mining Secretariat of Salta Province responded to the EIA submitted back in September 2024. The timely communication indicates positive engagement between Lithium South and regulatory bodies, suggesting that the company is on the right track toward receiving final approval for their project. Upon receiving this approval, Lithium South intends to proceed with the construction of a pilot plant, which will be instrumental for the definitive feasibility study that aims to solidify the project’s viability.

The EIA acts as a crucial benchmark for the future development of the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project, which is part of an area known as the lithium triangle, a hotspot for lithium extraction that has attracted numerous international stakeholders. As part of the response submitted to the Mining Secretariat, Lithium South's team of experts—including geotechnical and hydrogeological engineers—will engage in a range of activities designed to ensure environmental sustainability and community involvement.

Key Components of the EIA Process

The assessment includes several critical components:

1. Field Campaign and Stability Testing: The company will conduct Standard Penetration Tests (SPT) to confirm the stability of the camp site, which is vital for future construction activities.
2. Hydro-geological Monitoring: Monthly updates of groundwater levels across a network of piezometers will be established to guarantee an accurate understanding of the water balance within the salar region.
3. Data Integration: The findings from these activities will be compiled to enhance an in-depth hydrogeological model, as well as updating relevant impact matrices and mitigation plans. These plans will address concerns such as soil integrity and erosion control, all crucial for safeguarding the local ecosystem.
4. Community Engagement: To maintain transparency and foster trust, the company is committed to sharing summary findings with local stakeholders and ensuring continuous dialogue regarding socio-environmental responsibilities.
5. Formal Submission: Within ten business days, Lithium South will provide the Mining Secretariat with a detailed technical dossier. This will encompass various quality assurance and control logs, trend analyses, and a strategy for ongoing compliance evaluations.

Future Plans

Building on the regulatory momentum gained through the EIA process, Lithium South plans to release an updated work plan for its feasibility study. This will outline the optimized flowsheet for the project as well as a refined resource model. The company aims to prioritize environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, ensuring that the project not only meets economic goals but also aligns with ethical standards.

“Every request from the Mining Secretariat is an opportunity for us to showcase the strength of our environmental stewardship and confirm the expertise of our team. We take pride in delivering high-quality technical responses rapidly while advancing the Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project,” commented Fernando Villarroel, Chief Operating Officer and Director of Lithium South.

Conclusion

As Lithium South continues to advance its Environmental Impact Assessment, the company's proactive approach reflects its commitment to maintaining high environmental standards while preparing for sustainable lithium production. The ultimate goal is to unlock potential value for stakeholders and contribute positively to the Province of Salta’s economy through responsible mining practices.

The Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project remains a significant focus for Lithium South, positioning the company at the forefront of the lithium industry and meeting the growing demand driven by the global transition towards renewable energy.