Eramet starts DLE lithium production in Argentina

Centenario commissioning puts DLE on the industrial map

Eramet starts DLE lithium production in Argentina at the Centenario plant. The company commissioned its proprietary DLE unit in June. The site produced first lithium carbonate in December 2024. Operational data show the DLE units ran near nominal yield and throughput. As a result, Eramet confirmed that industrial-scale performance meets expectations.

Output, sales, and near-term ramp-up

Eramet starts DLE lithium production in Argentina after early technical setbacks. Centenario produced 710t LCE in the first half. The team fixed brine concentrating equipment in the evaporation section. Therefore, management guides 2025 output to 4,000–7,000t LCE. The project then aims to ramp toward 24,000 t/yr nameplate capacity. Meanwhile, Eramet sold 520t of industrial and technical grade LCE. Most sales went to Chinese cathode active material manufacturers.

JV structure and financial snapshot

Eramet executes Centenario through Eramine Sudamerica, its local subsidiary. The venture includes partner Tsingshan Holding Group of China. The operation posted a €37mn loss in January–June. However, management focuses on technical stability and volume growth. The guidance implies higher plant utilization through 2025. Supply growth would improve unit costs as throughput rises.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary

This milestone confirms DLE’s industrial viability outside pilot scale. If Centenario sustains yields and ramps toward 24,000 t/yr, regional LCE supply tightness could ease. Pricing and offtake terms will hinge on execution, brine chemistry stability, and reagent costs.