Business
Lithium Argentina Receives RIGI Approval for Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 2 Expansion
ZUG, Switzerland, May 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Argentina AG (“ Lithium Argenti...
About this update from Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp.
[{"type":"text","content":"Lithium Argentina Receives RIGI Approval for Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 2 Expansion\nZUG, Switzerland, May 14, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lithium Argentina AG (“Lithium Argentina” or the “Company”) (TSX: LAR) (NYSE: LAR) today announced that the expansion of the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine operation (“Cauchari-Olaroz”) under Argentina’s Large Investment Incentive Regime (“RIGI”) has obtained the approval of the Evaluation Committee. The expansion (“Stage 2”) targets production capacity for an additional 45,000 tonnes per annum (\"tpa\") of lithium carbonate equivalent (“LCE”), building on Cauchari-Olaroz's Stage 1 operating capacity of 40,000 tpa. The approval was announced today by Luis Caputo, the Minister of Economy, following completion of the final technical evaluation under the RIGI review process, the formal resolution is expected in June 2026. Sam Pigott, CEO of Lithium Argentina, commented: “Securing RIGI approval is an important milestone in de-risking the Stage 2 expansion at Cauchari-Olaroz. With Stage 1 performing well, the operation is generating strong cash flow and well positioned to support this next phase of growth.” “Argentina continues to provide a constructive backdrop for large-scale investment, reinforcing the strategic value of our asset base. This is reflected in the strong interest we are seeing at Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (\"PPG\") from a broad global group of potential partners and customers focused on building a diversified and resilient supply chain of lithium chemicals - engagement that supports and further de-risks our long-term growth strategy.” Benefits of RIGI RIGI is Argentina's federal incentive regime for large-scale investments in strategic export industries, including lithium. RIGI provides Stage 2 with 30 years of foreign exchange regulation, fiscal and customs stability, among other significant benefits. Key features include: Investment commitment: A minimum of US$200 million in accountable assets, with at least US$80 million deployed within the first two years from approval.Legal certainty: Dispute resolution mechanisms and safeguards against regulatory changes.Tax incentives: A 25% corporate income tax rate (down from 35%), lower dividend/remittances withholding tax (50% red...