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September 30, 2025

Day 2 Schedule

  1. –

    Welcome Coffee – Day 2

    Morning networking with the lithium community

    The second day opens with a space designed to reconnect with colleagues, spark new conversations, and set the stage for a full day of technical and market discussions.

    An important opportunity to build connections in a relaxed atmosphere before the official start of the sessions.

  2. –

    Benchmark Mineral Intelligence: Between Oversupply and Opportunity — Key Market Insights from the Lithium Triangle

    From current turbulence to a strategic future in the energy transition

    The global lithium market is facing downward price pressure and oversupply, challenging the competitiveness of certain mining projects.

    However, the energy transition and electrification signal sustained growth over the next decade.

    This presentation will address supply, demand, and production costs, highlighting the strategic role of the Lithium Triangle, with sharp insights from one of the most trusted firms for understanding market trends.

    Federico Gay Principal Analyst - Lithium, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
  3. –

    S&P Global Commodity Insights: Americas Lithium Supply Chain — Navigating Slow Progress in a Landscape of Opportunities

    The role of the Americas in regional integration and the energy transition

    As major economies strive to secure critical minerals to sustain their competitiveness, regional collaboration in the lithium sector is advancing slowly, yet with a wide range of opportunities ahead.

    Lithium consumption in the United States is forecast to grow by an annual average of 40% between 2024 and 2029, with a significant share of current supply sourced from Argentina and Chile.

    This session will examine the challenges and opportunities for building stronger, more competitive value chains across the continent.

    Adriana Carvalho Associate Director for Metals Pricing in the Americas, S&P Global Commodity Insights
    Anne Barbosa Associate Price Reporter, S&P Global Commodity Insight
    Presentation in English*
  4. –

    Fastmarkets: Global Lithium Prices — Volatility Amid Supply-Demand Imbalances

    Understanding current and future lithium pricing and the market dynamics that shape it

    Fastmarkets will provide market intelligence insights covering sector trends, cost curves, price forecasts, supply-demand dynamics, the development of futures markets, and value chain perspectives from North to South America.

    Leticia Simionato Senior Price Reporter, Fastmarkets
  5. –

    Human Resources: The Key Link in Creating Value for the Lithium Industry

    Bottlenecks, training needs, and the development of new local talent

    Modern mining, located in remote areas and under unique operating conditions, faces a central challenge: the availability of skilled human resources.

    Its development involves companies, governments, and academic institutions, and has become a decisive factor in turning projects into world-class operations.

    This panel will address the main bottlenecks, hiring and training difficulties, and the role of automation and the energy transition in shaping the future of mining work.

    Facundo López Director of Outsourcing, Adecco
    Christèle Sauder Technical Expert in Training, Leader of the Franco-Argentine Professional Campus
    Verónica Soria Minister of Labor, Planning and Human Resources of Catamarca
    Carolina Parrella Talent & Culture Sr. Manager, Lithium Argentina
    Ernesto Cussianovich Moderator / Director of Natural Resources, Poliarquía — Member of the 2025 Committee
  6. –

    Own Goal: Why the Long-Awaited Push for Industrialization is Destroying Value

    An approach to lithium chloride as a viable alternative

    Presentation by Daniel Jiménez, a renowned sector analyst and international reference in the lithium industry.

    This session will offer a critical perspective on the rush toward industrialization in the region, its adverse effects on value creation, and the competitiveness challenges Argentina is facing.

    It will also explore lithium chloride as a concrete option to enhance efficiency and sustainability in the value chain, particularly under current market conditions.

    Daniel Jiménez Non-Executive Director, Galan Lithium / Managing Director, iLi Markets
  7. –

    Cerro Blanco Geothermal System – Antofagasta de la Sierra

    Exploring geothermal potential in the volcanic arc of Northwest Argentina

    Located in the active caldera of the Cerro Blanco Volcanic Complex, this project shows significant geothermal potential associated with recent volcanic evolution and surface thermal manifestations.

    The initiative involves evaluating a geothermal reservoir for commercial power generation, with a focus on supplying energy to local communities and productive projects.

    Natalia Dusso Advisor, Cerro Blanco Geothermal Project
  8. –

    Value Engineering: Efficiency and Optimization for Mining Projects

    Maximizing results and reducing costs without compromising quality

    In an environment of tight margins and constant pressure to improve efficiency, Value Engineering emerges as a key tool for major mining operations.

    Through a structured six-stage method — from initial assessment to value capture — TAGING promotes a collaborative approach that optimizes CAPEX, OPEX, and productivity without sacrificing quality or sustainability.

    This presentation will share practical cases and a concrete framework for rethinking solutions and turning teams into true value generators.

    Roberto Fueyo Technical Manager NOA, Taging
  9. –

    Sustainability in Lithium Mining: Implications for the Rapid Growth of Brine-Based Supply

    The British Geological Survey perspective on sustainability and lithium mining

    In an environment of tight margins and constant pressure to improve efficiency, Value Engineering emerges as a key tool for major mining operations.

    Through a structured six-stage method — from initial assessment to value capture — TAGING promotes a collaborative approach that optimizes CAPEX, OPEX, and productivity without sacrificing quality or sustainability.

    This presentation will share practical cases and a concrete framework for rethinking solutions and turning teams into true value generators.

    Andrew Hughes Principal Groundwater Modeller, British Geological Survey (BGS)
  10. –

    Brunch & Networking Break

  11. –

    Introduction to the Technical Block

    Presentation of the objectives of the technical block: delving into applied advances and fostering integration between science and industry.
    Ricardo Piethe CTO, Eramine Sudamérica
  12. –

    Session 1: The Evolution of Lithium Resources — Basin Modeling and Reservoir Characterization

    New exploration techniques, 3D salar modeling, and resource prediction.
    Ana Curcio Geophysical Advisor – Multiphysics, Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)
    Block 1: Advances in Exploration and Modeling
  13. –

    Session 2: Water Balance – Its Relationship with Water Supply in the Puna Salt Flats

    Key concepts for understanding hydrological systems in extremely arid environments. Water availability for the development of mining projects.
    Esteban Tálamo Hydrogeologist, National University of Catamarca
  14. –

    Session 3: Integrated Management of Depleted Brines and Water Balance — Approaches and Solutions

    Strategies for reinjection, continental water management, and technologies to minimize environmental impact and ensure sustainable operations.
    Ricardo Piethe CTO, Eramine Sudamérica
    Block 2: Innovation in Operations and Sustainability
  15. –

    Session 4: New Methodologies and Success Stories from NOA Projects

    State of the art in lithium production in Argentina. Comparative analysis of extraction techniques (evaporation vs. DLE), efficiencies, recovery rates, and water-related challenges.
    Guillermo Simonutti COO, Eramine Sudamérica S.A.
    Carlos Galli VP Growth and Innovation, Lithium Argentina
    Adriana Bekerman VP of Engineering and Quality, Litio Minera Argentina S.A. / Ganfeng Lithium
  16. –

    Session 5: From Concept to Commercial Deployment

    Lessons Learned in Modular DLE Brine Processing at Hombre Muerto Salar
    Roberto Leyton Project Development Latin America, Aquatech
    Martín Rizo Li-Pro Commercial Director - Americas, Aquatech
  17. –

    Session 6: denaLi™ Commercial Progress — Technological Advances in DLE

    Joe Arencibia President & COO, Summit Nanotech
  18. –

    Final Block: Academic Exchange & Q&A

    Roundtable: Connecting Science and Industry

    A closing session designed to foster genuine exchange between the academic community and representatives of the lithium sector.

    The discussion will address key technical challenges and innovation pathways, integrating perspectives from researchers and industry leaders, while encouraging active participation from the audience.

    Previous speakers will respond to questions related to their presentations.

  19. Closing Cocktail

    Institutional and social closing of Lithium in South America 2025, bringing together companies, government, and academia in a space to share conclusions and strengthen connections.