Environment, social & governance

Responsible stewardship of resources

Tres Cruces is founded on the principle that responsible lithium development must balance resource production with long-term environmental and social outcomes. From project design through permitting and operations, we are committed to responsible water management, environmental protection and sustainable community development.

Key outcomes

Economic, environmental and community outcomes

700

Direct construction jobs

Our construction phase will last around two years and will create approximately 700 jobs.

USD$600M

Total capex

Approximately 60% of all capex spend is earmarked for local and regional procurement.

400 + 1,000

Direct and indirect jobs created

The project will create approximately 400 direct and 1,000 indirect jobs, with wages circulating primarily in Fiambalá and Catamarca Province.

70%

Local employment mandate

Our local employment target is a minimum of 70%, in line with government requirements.

9 m³/t

Fresh water consumption

Fresh water consumption of 9 cubic metres per tonne of lithium carbonate produced.

~50%

Renewable energy target

The project is targeting a 50% renewable energy supply through solar PV operations.

Environmental management

Environmental management program

Tres Cruces is committed to implementing a comprehensive Environmental Management Program designed to ensure responsible resource development and long-term environmental stewardship. The program is aligned with internationally recognised standards and best practices, incorporating robust systems for environmental monitoring, risk management, compliance, and continuous improvement.

We work collaboratively with government authorities, technical experts, local communities and other stakeholders to ensure transparent decision-making, effective environmental management and the protection of the surrounding ecosystem throughout the project lifecycle.

Automated titration of brine samples in the Catamarca laboratory
Water

Water management

Water stewardship is central to Tres Cruces' design.

The project's freshwater supply is located within a separate water basin from the sources used by local communities, providing a natural separation that safeguards community water access and supports responsible water management throughout the project lifecycle.

The project targets fresh water consumption of 9 cubic metres per tonne of lithium carbonate produced which is among the lowest intensities of any lithium brine project in operation or development.

Tres Cruces project briefing with community members in Tinogasta, Catamarca
Community

Our local community

The project team is committed to clear and continuous communication with the local communities of Catamarca, Tinogasta and Fiambalá districts.

A minimum 70% local employment target, in line with government requirements, means the majority of the 400 direct and 1,000 indirect roles the project creates will be filled from Catamarca Province.

In practice

Local initiatives

In partnership with our local stakeholders we have identified three key areas to support in the communities surrounding our operations.

Cultural heritage and economic empowerment

We support cultural heritage and economic empowerment by profiling more than 60 local artists and artisans and improving their visibility to visitors, with women representing over 70% of participants.

Agriculture and sustainable farming

We partner with a local agronomist to deliver knowledge-sharing sessions on sustainable and agroecological practices suited to the region's climate, offered free to the community.

Health and wellbeing

Our health and wellbeing work spans workplace and community health monitoring, waste reduction and recycling education, and support for children's dental health.

Each initiative is structured for continuity, and outcomes are measured and reported.

Alignment

Sustainable Development Goals

The Tres Cruces Project contributes to 12 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

  • 3 · Good health and well-being
  • 4 · Quality education
  • 5 · Gender equality
  • 6 · Clean water and sanitation
  • 7 · Affordable and clean energy
  • 8 · Decent work and economic growth
  • 9 · Industry, innovation and infrastructure
  • 10 · Reduced inequalities
  • 11 · Sustainable cities and communities
  • 13 · Climate action
  • 15 · Life on land
  • 17 · Partnerships for the goals