The Liontown Ltd (ASX: LTR) share price is in focus after the company revealed a strategic farm-in agreement to acquire up to 100% of the Centenario lithium brine project in Argentina, bolstering its existing hard-rock lithium operations in Western Australia.
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What did Liontown report?
- Entered a farm-in agreement with NEXT Lithium Corp. for the Centenario lithium brine project in Salta, Argentina
- Potential to earn up to 100% interest in the project by funding US$40 million (~A$56 million) over four years, plus milestone payments
- Initial payment will be US$5 million (~A$7 million) in cash and US$10 million (~A$14 million) in Liontown shares
- An initial work program of US$15 million is planned over the first 12–24 months, targeting early-stage exploration and drilling
- Staged structure allows Liontown to increase its project stake based on funding and exploration outcomes
What else do investors need to know?
The project is situated in a promising lithium brine district, close to established operations run by sector giants like Lithium Argentina, Ganfeng, and Eramet. This move offers Liontown a low-cost foothold in a globally significant lithium province and aligns with its strategy to diversify and grow its battery minerals portfolio.
Partnering with NEXT Lithium gives Liontown access to the expertise of a team with a strong track record in Argentinian lithium brine assets. Liontown retains capital discipline through the staged investment and maintains Kathleen Valley as its core focus.
The agreement includes standard conditions precedent, such as the release of security interests over the project and the repayment of certain intercompany loans. If these are not satisfied within six months, either party may walk away without further liability.
What did Liontown management say?
Managing Director and CEO Tony Ottaviano said:
This transaction gives Liontown a low-cost entry into lithium brine. Brine is one of the two primary sources of the world's lithium, and this is our first step in building real understanding and capability in it. Structuring the deal as a staged farm-in ties our capital to results, so we invest more only as the project proves itself. Kathleen Valley remains our priority, and we will keep pursuing value-accretive growth where it fits our strategy. NEXT Lithium knows lithium, knows brine, and knows Argentina. That depth of expertise is exactly what we want alongside us as we build our own capability.
What's next for Liontown?
Liontown plans to launch initial exploration at Centenario, with a US$15 million program over the first two years, including drilling and geophysical testing. As results come in, the company can opt to boost its ownership through further staged investments, up to full control of the project.
The Centenario farm-in is designed to complement Liontown's hard-rock operations, providing diversified growth options and access to both major sources of lithium worldwide. Management remains committed to carefully scaling exposure in step with exploration outcomes and market conditions.
Liontown share price snapshot
Over the past 12 months, Liontown shares have risen 35%, outperforming the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO), which has risen 2% over the sme period.
