Lithium Argentina (TSX:LAR) has achieved the high-end of its 2025 production guidance, totalling 34,100 tonnes of lithium carbonate at the Cauchari-Olaroz Lithium Brine Operation in the Jujuy province of Argentina.
The company’s full-year production guidance ranged between 30,000 to 35,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate.
In Q4 2025, production reached 9,700 tonnes, with an average operating rate of 97% nameplate capacity.
The Q4 2025 cash operating costs are expected to be below US$6,000 ($8,921.9) per tonne of lithium carbonate sold compared to US$6,285 per tonne during Q3 2025. Lithium Argentina says this reflects continued optimisation and higher production volumes.
Cauchari-Olaroz is also expected to reduce net debt by US$26 million with US$15 million distributed to both Ganfeng Lithium (SHE:002460) and Lithium Argentina and over US$150 million in liquidity from cash and available undrawn debt facilities.
As a result of the production achievement, Lithium Argentina has submitted an environmental permit and RIGI application for a stage two expansion of 45,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate production capacity.
An RIGI application is also being finalised for the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes Project, which is expected to be submitted during Q1 2026.
CEO Sam Pigott says Cauchari-Olaroz’s production reflects the establishment of Argentina’s “largest lithium operation”.
“Strong production through the fourth quarter, together with continued cost reductions, highlights the increasing operational maturity of the business and positions us well for the next stage of growth as we advance stage two at Cauchari-Olaroz and progress the PPG Project,” Pigott says.
Lithium Argentina has also made changes to its board of directors, including Alec Meikle being appointed as President. Meikle will be responsible for executing the company’s strategic plan, leading corporate development, overseeing capital markets activities, and managing key external relationships.
John Kanellitas will also be transitioning from Executive Chairman to Chairman, where he will continue focusing on long-term strategies and industry partnerships.
Pigott adds that these organisational changes strengthen governance and clarify roles.
Lithium Argentina is an emerging producer of lithium carbonate for use primarily in lithium ion batteries and electric vehicles.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Lithium Argentina
