During his visit to New York City to promote commercial and investment opportunities in Catamarca, we accompanied the governor of the province, Raúl Jalil, and the vice governor Rubén Dusso, in their meetings with current and potential investors, as well as local firms that advise companies with interests and presence in the mining and energy industry in the province (Linklaters LLP, Holland & Knight LLP, and Freshfields).

It was a great opportunity to showcase the province's investment opportunities, provide details on the economic-commercial plans and competitive advantages in a very auspicious local climate due to Argentina's positive economic growth prospects.

Catamarca's exports originate mainly in mining, accompanied by other chains such as olive and horticultural production, among others, with a smaller share in total exports. Catamarca is the leading producer of copper and lithium in the country. In ornamental rocks, it is the only producer of rhodochrosite with a reserve that is unique in the world.

Governor Jalil was also the keynote speaker at a working breakfast meeting organized by the Council of the Americas/Americas Society at its New York headquarters, accompanied by Vice Governor Rubén Dusso, and Fernando Straface, Executive Member of the Board of Puente Holding. Governor Jalil spoke to entrepreneurs, businessmen and local consultants linked to current or potential investors to present the opportunities offered by the mining and energy industry in the province. 

Susan Segal, President and CEO of the Council of the Americas, chaired the meeting during which the exportable offer and investment possibilities were presented, as well as the socio-economic situation of the country and, in particular, the province. Businessmen and consultants from the mining and energy sector were interested in learning about the provincial experience in the application of the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), which allowed them to report on investments made and planned within the framework of such regulations.

Finally, at the Consulate General, Governor Jalil, accompanied by the Consul General, Ambassador Gerardo Díaz Bartolomé, held a meeting with the CEO of Rio Tinto Lithium, Paul Graves, and the Director for External Affairs - Latin America of Rio Tinto, Paula Uribe.

During the meeting, the progress of the company's investments in the province was reviewed, particularly those related to the second stage of the investment plan, and the status of the presentation of the Sal de Vida project that Rio Tinto Lithium made this week, in application of the RIGI and with an investment of USD 638 million, reaffirming its commitment to Argentina as a strategic destination and consolidating Catamarca as a global reference in lithium.

In relation to logistical and infrastructure issues, the occasion served to describe the ongoing paving process of Route 43 with contributions from the provincial government and mining companies in addition to royalties.

Investment opportunities in Catamarca: www.invertirencatamarca.com

New York, April 16, 2025