Lithium Argentina to establish domicile in Switzerland
TSX- and NYSE-listed Lithium Americas (Argentina) has announced plans to redomicile from Canada to Switzerland, a move designed to enhance the company’s growth prospects and financing flexibility.
The company will operate under a new name, Lithium Argentina AG, and expects the change to take effect in early 2025, pending shareholder, stock exchange, and court approvals.
The decision follows an extensive review of the company’s corporate structure and operations, with Switzerland chosen as the most favorable jurisdiction from a legal, commercial, and strategic standpoint. The shift aims to provide Lithium Argentina with greater access to global financing markets, strengthen its proximity to European customers, and align with the company’s long-term growth objectives.
Lithium Argentina’s reorganisation into Switzerland marks a broader trend of companies emigrating from Canada as the government moved to curb Chinese influence in its mining sector, particularly with regard to lithium and rare earth elements. Two years ago, the Canadian government forced Chinese investors to divest from several lithium juniors with international assets, citing national security concerns.
Lithium Argentina’s partner in the Cauchari-Olaroz project, GFL International (Ganfeng), has entered into a three-year standstill agreement with the company. Under the terms of the agreement, Ganfeng has agreed not to acquire, directly or indirectly, a controlling interest in Lithium Argentina, except under customary exceptions.
Despite the corporate shift to Switzerland, Lithium Argentina emphasised that the change will not alter its operational focus. The company will continue to manage its flagship Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project in Jujuy province, with Buenos Aires becoming the operational headquarters for the group.
Further, Lithium Argentina has confirmed that its shares will continue to be listed on both the TSX and the NYSE under the new ticker symbol LAR. This will allow the company to maintain its North American investor base while benefiting from Switzerland’s favoruable regulatory environment. Shareholders will experience no disruption in trading.