Mariana Lithium Project in Argentina

Project Background

In early 2024, the Mariana Lithium Project, located in Salta Province, Argentina—a high-altitude salt flat region critical to global lithium production—kicked off its large-scale construction phase. As a flagship lithium mining project developed by international energy enterprises, it boasts a lithium resource volume of approximately 8.12 million tons LCE, with an annual capacity of 20,000 tons of lithium chloride planned for phase one. The project encompasses brine extraction workshops, chemical processing plants, electrical control rooms, and supporting utility facilities, operating in an extreme environment with high altitude (over 3,700 meters), strong UV radiation, high salt spray corrosion, and large day-night temperature fluctuations.

As the project's designated wire and cable supplier, Dongguan GERITEL Electrical Co., Ltd. provided a full set of UL-listed cable solutions tailored to mining and chemical processing scenarios. We overcame the harsh environmental challenges and strict certification requirements, delivering stable, high-performance electrical connections to support the project's efficient construction and safe operation. The project officially entered trial production in February 2025, marking a key milestone in China-Argentina lithium industry cooperation.

Client Requirements

The Mariana Lithium Project's EPC contractor faced severe electrical supply challenges during the construction phase. First, the high-altitude salt flat environment featured extreme corrosion from salt spray and humidity, causing rapid aging and cracking of ordinary cables, leading to frequent short circuits and equipment failures. Second, the project's chemical processing plant and control rooms required cables resistant to oil, chemicals, and abrasion, with strict flame-retardant standards to ensure industrial safety. Third, Argentina's mining and electrical regulatory authorities mandated full UL certification for all imported electrical cables to pass inspection and acceptance—non-certified products faced outright rejection. Finally, the project had a compressed construction schedule, demanding fast production and on-time delivery to avoid delaying the overall commissioning timeline.

The client sought a one-stop supplier with proven mining project experience, complete international certifications, superior product durability, and rapid delivery capabilities. They needed cables that could withstand extreme environmental stresses while meeting strict safety and regulatory standards.

Our Solutions

Based on on-site surveys and technical blueprints, GERITEL designed a targeted cable system covering power transmission, equipment wiring, and control circuits. The core products supplied were AC Cable, MTW, and THHN electrical cable UL listed, with specifications precisely matched to each application scenario.

AC Cable (UL 1924) served as the primary power distribution cable for outdoor brine extraction facilities and long-distance transmission lines. We supplied 3/C 4 AWG, 3/C 2 AWG, and 3/C 1/0 AWG sizes, featuring galvanized steel armor, XLPE insulation, and a UV-resistant PVC jacket. Compared to non-armored cables, AC Cable with galvanized steel armor provides exceptional mechanical protection against construction damage and high-altitude wind abrasion. Its salt-spray resistance and 90°C heat rating ensure stable performance in corrosive, high-temperature conditions—far superior to standard PVC cables that degrade rapidly in salt-rich environments.

MTW (Machine Tool Wire, UL 1063) was deployed in chemical processing plants and control rooms for equipment internal wiring and control circuits. Available in 14 AWG, 12 AWG, and 10 AWG stranded copper conductors, MTW features oil-resistant PVC insulation and a nylon jacket, withstanding exposure to lithium brine, chemical reagents, and industrial lubricants. Unlike generic building wires, MTW is certified for 60°C wet/oily conditions, preventing insulation swelling and electrical leakage—critical for maintaining operational safety in chemical processing areas.

THHN electrical cable UL listed (UL 83) formed the backbone of indoor power distribution in control centers and administration buildings. We provided 14 AWG to 4/0 AWG sizes, with 90°C dry heat resistance, VW-1 flame retardancy, and a smooth nylon jacket for easy conduit installation. While similar to THWN-2, THHN is optimized for dry industrial environments, offering higher current-carrying capacity and cost efficiency without compromising safety or compliance. Its UL listing ensures full acceptance by Argentine inspectors, eliminating certification-related delays.

UL Certification Assurance

GERITEL's decisive advantage lay in our comprehensive UL listing portfolio—all cables supplied to Mariana Lithium Project carried valid UL certificates (UL 83 for THHN, UL 1063 for MTW, UL 1924 for AC Cable), fully compliant with Argentine mining and electrical safety regulations. This eliminated the risk of customs detention or project rejection due to non-compliant materials.

Every product underwent rigorous testing: salt spray corrosion resistance (1,000+ hours), UV aging (5,000 hours), vertical flame (VW-1), and high/low-temperature cycling (-40°C to 125°C). We use oxygen-free copper conductors for minimal power loss and premium insulation materials engineered to resist salt, chemicals, and extreme temperatures—extending service life by 3–5 years compared to standard cables.

Our end-to-end quality control system tracks each batch from raw material intake to final packaging, with full test reports provided for client verification. This commitment to traceability and compliance ensured seamless project acceptance.

Efficient Delivery and Support

To meet the project's tight schedule, GERITEL established a dedicated Mariana project team, accelerating order processing and technical reviews. Post-order confirmation, we prioritized production, completing manufacturing in just 28 days—2 weeks faster than industry averages. Cables were packaged in moisture-proof, corrosion-resistant materials suitable for 45+ day ocean shipping to Argentina.

Our logistics team optimized routes, ensuring on-time delivery to the remote Salta Province site with zero delays. We provided 24/7 remote technical support for cable laying, offering specialized guidance for high-altitude installation and corrosion protection. This on-demand support minimized on-site issues and kept electrical construction on track.

Consequence of Project

Since the Mariana Lithium Project's commissioning in February 2025, GERITEL's cables have operated flawlessly. AC Cable maintains stable power transmission in corrosive salt-flat conditions with no insulation degradation. MTW performs reliably in chemical processing areas, resisting oil and chemical exposure. THHN electrical cable UL listed ensures safe, efficient indoor power distribution.

The project passed all electrical safety inspections on the first attempt, with Argentine authorities commending the quality and compliance of our UL-listed products. The client reported zero cable-related failures, significantly reducing maintenance downtime and operational risks. Our solutions directly enabled the project to meet production schedules and achieve operational targets.

Cooperation Feedback

Mariana Lithium Project solidifies GERITEL's position as a trusted cable supplier for Latin American mining. Our ability to deliver UL-certified, environment-specific solutions—backed by rapid delivery and technical expertise—helped the client mitigate risks, reduce costs, and accelerate construction.

The client highlighted our UL certification completeness, product durability in extreme conditions, and reliable delivery as key differentiators. They noted that partnering with GERITEL eliminated compliance headaches and ensured long-term operational stability—critical for remote mining investments.

Contact Us for Your Mining Project Needs

For lithium mining, mineral processing, or industrial infrastructure projects in Argentina, Latin America, or globally, trust GERITEL's UL-listed cable solutions. We specialize in extreme environment applications, offering THHN electrical cable UL listed, MTW, AC Cable, and custom solutions with full certification, superior quality, and on-time delivery.

Tel/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 135 1078 4550 / +86 136 6257 9592

Email: manager01@greaterwire.comWebsite: www.geritelgroup.com