Battery metal junior Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp. (TSX-V: LIT) (OTCQX: LILIF) has graduated to the OTCQX top-tier market run by OTC Markets Group Inc (OTCMKTS: OTCM).
The company announced the achievement Wednesday and hopes the new listing will increase trading volume.
“This will further enhance our visibility among U.S. and international investors as we continue to advance our strong portfolio of lithium projects to support the global shift toward electrification and decarbonization,” Nikolaos Cacos, Chief Executive Officer, said.
Argentina Lithium started accelerating its exploration work in the country last November. This was made possible through a US$90 million investment from Stellantis (NYSE: STLA) at the end of Q3. The company expected to have up to US$15 million remaining for 2024 exploration in the Salta and Catamarca provinces.
Stellantis secured up to 15,000 tonnes of lithium per annum for 7 years through the deal with the option to extend. The automotive manufacturer holds a 19.9 per cent stake in the company.
We are excited to welcome @ARGLIT (OTCQX: $LILIF) to the #OTCQX Best Market. Argentina Lithium & Energy is focused on acquiring high-quality lithium projects in Argentina and advancing them towards production. Visit the company’s profile to learn more: https://t.co/fUuzPM9Lku pic.twitter.com/Fe0wyUpFuV
— OTC Markets Group (@OTCMarkets) January 10, 2024
Read more: Lithium South Development technical report shows 40% increase in lithium recovery
Read more: Lithium South Development first production well installed at Hombre Muerto lithium project
Government of Argentina loosens regulations for miners
The junior miner is part of the Crosso Group, a mineral exploration company that’s been active in Argentina for over 30 years.
Argentina Lithium’s claims span over 67,000 hectares. Its largest project, Pocitos, is still largely unexplored. The company has a US$45 million market cap.
Argentina’s government recently loosened certain regulations to make the country’s mining industry less restrictive and expensive for companies entering the sector. There has been an unprecedented rate of mining activity there.
Companies from around the globe have been investing in the nation’s lithium industry in particular. The French miner Eramet S.A. (EPA: ERA) announced in December that it would be putting US$800 million into the sector. The Indian company KABIL also just revealed that it will invest nearly US$26 million in the industry over the next five years.
The country is home to the newly formed lithium giant Arcadium Lithium plc (NYSE: ALTM) (ASX: LTM), formerly Livent and Allkem. It also hosts many early-stage companies like Lithium South Development Corporation (TSX-V: LIS) (OTCQB: LISMF) (Frankfurt: OGPQ) that are developing the nation’s lithium resources and transitioning from exploration to commercial development.
Lithium South Development Corporation is a sponsor of Mugglehead news coverage
rowan@mugglehead.com
