As of September 2026, France-based Eramet SA is weighing the sale of a minority interest in the Centenario lithium project in Argentina. The proposed transaction forms part of a broader corporate restructuring aimed at reducing the group’s debt load by 2 billion euros while securing capital for future development phases. According to individuals familiar with the discussions, Glencore Plc and InfraVia Capital Partners have emerged as prospective acquirers. The move follows operational milestones achieved in the first half of 2026, when the implementation of direct extraction technology enabled the site to generate positive operating cash flow.
Glencore previously entered into a marketing arrangement with Eramet and has signaled ambitions to scale its lithium portfolio, which would grant the trader direct upstream exposure should the deal proceed. Meanwhile, InfraVia, backed by French government support, has been actively deploying capital into lithium-copper ventures across Australia and Sweden, as well as domestic rare earth processing facilities. Although negotiations remain preliminary and no binding agreements have been executed, the potential transaction highlights intensifying strategic realignment among European miners seeking to optimize balance sheets amid evolving critical mineral market dynamics.