Protecting environment through sustainable operations

Eramet Eramine carried out extensive biodiversity studies before launching the project, including:

• Baseline assessments to establish the initial state of ecosystems.
• Identification of protected areas and vulnerable species.
• Habitat mapping to provide a detailed geographic picture of ecosystems.
• Critical habitat evaluations to identify areas essential for biodiversity.
• Robust monitoring programs to track biodiversity indicators over time.

While project activities are expected to have limited impacts on biodiversity, we are taking a proactive approach by working toward the design and future implementation of a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP), aligned with the IRMA Standard.

Responsible water practices

Our production process requires water, and thanks to extensive R&D efforts we aim for a 60% recycling rate at full capacity. We continue to optimize water use, advancing toward more efficient and responsible management of this vital resource.

To avoid competition with human, animal, and plant needs, the company does not extract surface water. Instead, we pump non‑potable water from over 180 meters deep through a network of 5 wells.

The nearest inhabitants live 11 kilometers from the site – seven semi‑nomadic families of puesteros – who, like local fauna and flora, rely on surface water for their needs.

To monitor the status of water resources in the Salar Centenario–Ratones basin and local weather conditions, we conduct environmental monitoring with external experts. Sampling is carried out by independent specialists, while analyses are performed by certified laboratories with extensive experience, ensuring the reliability and quality of the results.

Evaluating and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems

Limnological and microbiological assessments are used to evaluate the biological quality and ecological balance of surface waters by analyzing species diversity and key physicochemical parameters. These studies cover all surface water bodies

To go further, we have committed to developing and implementing a Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP). Robust monitoring of our operations is conducted to minimize risks and ensure long-term environmental protection.

We commit to handling each waste stream separately, ensuring appropriate treatment and disposal according to its characteristics. We are actively working to improve the waste recovery rate by strengthening source segregation and prioritizing the separation of recyclable materials

Hazardous waste are temporarily stored and then transferred through approved channels to authorized disposal sites by transportation companies certified by the Office of Environmental and Sustainable Development of Salta Province.

This approach is grounded in the principles of circular economy and framed within the 7Rs: rethink, refuse, reduce, reuse, repair, recycle and recover, promoting a more efficient, responsible and sustainable waste management system.

Process waste is neutralized and stored safely in impermeable cells on site.