Lithium Argentina Closes Pastos Grandes Transaction with Ganfeng Lithium

Rhea-AI Summary

Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. (TSX/NYSE: LAAC) has completed a transaction with Ganfeng Lithium, selling a 14.9% interest in its Pastos Grandes project for $70 million. The deal strengthens Lithium Argentina's balance sheet, reduces short-term debt at Caucharí-Olaroz, and supports future growth plans. Pastos Grandes, acquired in early 2022, is located in the same basin as Sal de la Puna and adjacent to Ganfeng's Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project.

The companies are collaborating on a regional development plan for the Pastos Grandes Basin, with results expected by the end of 2024. Lithium Argentina anticipates that attractive fiscal incentives from Argentina's Large Investments' Incentive Regime (RIGI) would apply to its long-term development plans at Pastos Grandes and the Stage 2 expansion of Caucharí-Olaroz.

Positive

• Received $70 million in cash from Ganfeng Lithium for a 14.9% stake in Pastos Grandes project
• Strengthened balance sheet and reduced short-term debt at Caucharí-Olaroz
• Potential fiscal incentives from RIGI for long-term development plans
• Ongoing collaboration with Ganfeng Lithium on regional development plan

Negative

• Dilution of ownership in Pastos Grandes project

Insights

Financial Analyst

The $70 million investment by Ganfeng Lithium for a 14.9% stake in Pastos Grandes is a significant development for Lithium Argentina. This transaction strengthens the company's balance sheet and provides important funds to reduce short-term debt at their Caucharí-Olaroz project. The deal values Pastos Grandes at approximately $470 million, highlighting its potential in the lithium market. The collaboration with Ganfeng Lithium, a major player in the industry, could accelerate project development and potentially lead to cost synergies. However, investors should note that this dilutes Lithium Argentina's ownership in the project. The mention of RIGI approval suggests potential tax benefits, which could positively impact the project's economics in the long term.

Mining Industry Expert

This transaction marks a strategic move in the lithium sector, consolidating Ganfeng Lithium's presence in the Pastos Grandes Basin. The proximity of Pastos Grandes to Ganfeng's PPG project and the jointly-owned Caucharí-Olaroz creates potential for significant operational synergies. The ongoing development of a regional plan for PPG and the Pastos Grandes Basin, expected by end-2024, could reveal further value. The lithium brine projects in this area benefit from favorable geology and established infrastructure. However, investors should be aware that lithium project development often faces challenges such as water usage concerns and community relations. The collaboration between Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng Lithium may help navigate these issues more effectively.

Market Research Analyst

This deal reflects the growing demand for lithium resources amid the global push for electrification. Ganfeng Lithium's investment validates the potential of the Pastos Grandes project and the broader Pastos Grandes Basin. The clean energy transition mentioned in the article is a key driver for lithium demand, with electric vehicle adoption accelerating worldwide. However, investors should be cautious of potential market volatility in lithium prices, which have been historically cyclical. The regional development plan being advanced by both companies could potentially lead to a more efficient and cost-effective lithium production hub in Argentina, potentially giving them a competitive edge in the global market.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 16, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. (TSX/NYSE: LAAC) (“Lithium Argentina” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the completion of the previously announced agreement (the “Transaction”) with a subsidiary of Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. (“Ganfeng Lithium”,) whereby Ganfeng Lithium acquired $70 million in newly issued shares of Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A. (“PGCo”), the Company’s wholly-owned Argentinian subsidiary holding the Pastos Grandes project (“Pastos Grandes”) in Salta, Argentina, representing a 14.9% interest in PGCo and Pastos Grandes.

“The completion of this Transaction is an important step forward for the combined efforts of Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng Lithium in Argentina emphasizing the collaboration and shared commitment of both companies to innovate and responsibly progress the global clean energy transition,” commented Sam Pigott, President and CEO of Lithium Argentina. “Proceeds from the Transaction will be used to strengthen our balance sheet, reduce short term debt at Caucharí-Olaroz and provide additional flexibility to support our future growth plans.”

Pastos Grandes is a lithium brine development project acquired by the Company in early 2022 with the acquisition of Millennial Lithium Inc. The Project is in the same basin as the Sal de la Puna project (together, the “Pastos Grandes Basin”), adjacent to Ganfeng Lithium’s Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes project (“PPG”) and 100 km from the operating Caucharí-Olaroz project (“Caucharí-Olaroz”) jointly owned and operated by Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng Lithium. Based on current analysis, the Company would expect that attractive fiscal incentives resulting from the approval of the Large Investments’ Incentive Regime (“RIGI”) in Argentina would apply to its longer-term regional development plans at Pastos Grandes and the Stage 2 expansion of Caucharí-Olaroz. The Company and Ganfeng Lithium continue advancing a regional development plan for PPG and the Pastos Grandes Basin with results expected around the end of 2024.

ABOUT LITHIUM ARGENTINA

Lithium Argentina is an emerging producer of lithium carbonate for use primarily in lithium-ion batteries and electric vehicles. The Company, in partnership with Ganfeng Lithium Co, Ltd., is ramping up production of the Caucharí-Olaroz lithium brine operation in Argentina and advancing development of additional lithium resources in the region.

The Company currently trades on the TSX and on the NYSE, under the ticker symbol “LAAC.”

For further information contact:
Investor Relations
Telephone: +1 778-653-8092
Email: ir@lithium-argentina.com
Website: www.lithium-argentina.com

CURRENCY

All amounts are expressed in US dollars unless otherwise noted.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively referred to herein as “forward-looking information”). These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, may be forward-looking information. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by the use of words such as “seek,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “continue,” “estimate,” “expect,” “may,” “will,” “project,” “predict,” “propose,” “potential,” “targeting,” “intend,” “could,” “might,” “should,” “believe” and similar expressions. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information.

In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information, including, without limitation, with respect to the following matters or the Company’s expectations relating to the anticipated use of proceeds from the Transaction; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction; and the preparation and completion of a regional development plan and feasibility study for the Pastos Grandes Basin and PPG and availability of benefits related to RIGI.

Forward-looking information does not take into account the effect of transactions or other items announced or occurring after the statements are made. Forward-looking information is based upon a number of expectations and assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. With respect to forward-looking information listed above, the Company has made assumptions regarding, among other things: the ability the Company and Ganfeng Lithium to prepare and complete the regional development plan for the Pastos Grandes Basin and PPG; the availability of fiscal incentives for the Company under RIGI; the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner; uncertainties relating to receiving and maintaining mining, exploration, environmental and other permits or approvals in Argentina; demand for lithium, including that such demand is supported by growth in the electric vehicle market; the impact of increasing competition in the lithium business, and the Company’s competitive position in the industry; general economic conditions; the stable and supportive legislative, regulatory and community environment in the jurisdictions where the Company operates; stability and inflation of the Argentine peso, including any foreign exchange or capital controls which may be enacted in respect thereof, and the effect of current or any additional regulations on the Company’s operations; the impact of unknown financial contingencies, including litigation costs, on the Company’s operations; gains or losses, in each case, if any, from short-term investments in Argentine bonds and equities; estimates of and unpredictable changes to the market prices for lithium products; development and construction costs for the Company’s projects, and costs for any additional exploration work at the projects; uncertainties inherent to estimates of Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, including whether Mineral Resources not included in Mineral Reserves will be further developed into Mineral Reserves; reliability of technical data; anticipated timing and results of exploration, development and construction activities; the Company’s ability to obtain additional financing on satisfactory terms or at all; the ability to develop and achieve production at any of the Company’s mineral exploration and development properties; the impact of inflationary and other conditions on the Company’s business and global mark; and accuracy of development budget and construction estimates.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, the Company can give no assurance that these assumptions and expectations will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking information inherently involves risks and uncertainties, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in any forward-looking information as a result of risk factors, including, without limitation, the risk that the proceeds of the Transaction will not be used as contemplated; risk that the benefits of the Transaction will not be realized as anticipated, or at all; risk that the Company and Ganfeng Lithium will not be able to prepare and complete a regional development plan for the Pastos Grandes Basin and PPG as contemplated, or at all; risk that the Company will not receive fiscal incentives under RIGI as contemplated, or at all: and other risks factors contained in the Company’s latest annual information form (“AIF”), management information circular, management’s discussion and analysis and other continuous disclosure documents (collectively, “Company Disclosure Documents”), all of which are available on SEDAR+.

All forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by the risk factors set out in the Company Disclosure Documents. Such risk factors are not exhaustive. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Additional information about the above-noted assumptions, risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company Disclosure Documents, all of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

FAQ

What is the value of the transaction between Lithium Argentina (LAAC) and Ganfeng Lithium?

Ganfeng Lithium acquired $70 million in newly issued shares of Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A., representing a 14.9% interest in the Pastos Grandes project.

How will Lithium Argentina (LAAC) use the proceeds from the Pastos Grandes transaction?

The proceeds will be used to strengthen the company's balance sheet, reduce short-term debt at Caucharí-Olaroz, and provide additional flexibility to support future growth plans.

When did Lithium Argentina (LAAC) acquire the Pastos Grandes project?

Lithium Argentina acquired the Pastos Grandes project in early 2022 through the acquisition of Millennial Lithium Inc.

What is the expected timeline for the regional development plan results for Pastos Grandes Basin?

The results of the regional development plan for the Pastos Grandes Basin are expected around the end of 2024.