Lithium South Expands Development Team and Accelerates Feasibility Study for HMN Project
Lithium South's Hombre Muerto North Lithium Project Gains Momentum
The Hombre Muerto North (HMN) Lithium Project, led by Lithium South Development Corporation, is making significant strides in its development. Here's a comprehensive update on the project's current status and timeline.
Key Developments
Lithium South has bolstered its team with the appointment of Claudio C. Zalewski as Director of Development & Construction. With over 40 years of experience in lithium projects, Zalewski brings a wealth of expertise to the table [1][2]. The company has also secured a purchase option for the Hydra X claims, expanding its holdings to over 10,000 hectares for US$2 million, payable upon construction or sale [1][5].
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the HMN Li Project is underway. Lithium South has received a response from the Mining Secretariat of Salta Province and is working on a response for final approval. This EIA is crucial for the construction of a pilot plant and a planned definitive feasibility study [3].
Lithium South aims to complete the feasibility study by the first quarter of 2026 [1]. The company is also in discussions with several Original Equipment Manufacturers (O.E.M.), mining, and financial groups for project funding, though previous exclusive talks have ended [1][5].
Incentives and Benefits
The project benefits from Argentina's Régimen de Incentivo a las Grandes Inversiones (RIGI) regime, offering a 30-year stability regime on tax, customs, and FX rules, a flat 25% corporate income-tax rate, and various other incentives for projects exceeding US $200 M [1].
The HMN Lithium Project is undergoing a fast-track work plan, with priority given to four workstreams: DFS Tender Package, Design Criteria, CAPEX/OPEX & Financial Models, and Project Execution Plan & Procedures. The goal is to complete a comprehensive development schedule, launch the Feasibility Study tendering before end-Q3 2025, and deliver full Feasibility by late Q1 2026.
Claudio C. Zalewski, Director of Development & Construction for the HMN Lithium Project, has expressed his excitement about joining Lithium South, stating that he looks forward to bringing his decades of lithium-brine experience to unlock the full value of the project. Zalewski has also been a consultant for the ADY Resources Rincon Lithium Project [1][2].
Despite a challenging market, there remains strong interest in the high-quality HMN Li Project [1]. Lithium South welcomes the recent changes to tax and import regulations in Argentina, which offer attractive incentives for large-scale investments.
- Claudio C. Zalewski, with his extensive experience in the lithium industry, is collaborating with Lithium South's business to construct the HMN Lithium Project, hoping to leverage his knowledge to maximize the value of the project.
- To secure funding for the project, Lithium South is engaging with various financial groups in the technology sector, as well as mining companies, while also taking advantage of the incentives offered by Argentina's RIGI regime in the energy and finance sectors for large-scale investments.
