5 min
Luana Torruella

Exclusive Interview with Christian Möbius, Commercial Director at Southern Cross

AN EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH:
Christian Möbius, Commercial Director at Southern Cross

Interview with Southern Cross Exploration - Argentina & LATAM Lithium Summit 2024

Southern Cross Exploration is recognised for its strategic lithium projects in Argentina. How does your Hombre Muerto South project stand out in terms of lithium quality and exploration potential compared to other projects in the region?

While we don’t yet have specific data on the geochemistry of the brine at Hombre Muerto South, results from neighbouring projects within the same watershed indicate that this region has some of the highest-quality brine in Argentina and indeed globally. This gives us a very optimistic outlook that the geochemical characteristics of our project will be competitive. Additionally, our location in an area with access to freshwater provides an added advantage, always with a commitment to conducting rigorous environmental studies to ensure a responsible and sustainable use of water resources.

Sustainability is a crucial aspect of mining operations today. Could you share how Southern Cross Exploration is implementing environmentally responsible practices in the lithium exploration phase, and how these align with global sustainability goals?

At Southern Cross Exploration, our exploration campaigns are designed to minimise environmental impact. Our team leaves each exploration site in its original condition, removing any external materials we bring to the location. Additionally, our exploration camp uses solar power to reduce our carbon footprint and promote responsible resource use. This approach, combined with low-impact techniques and thorough environmental assessments, reinforces our commitment to environmental responsibility and respect for the surroundings at every stage of the project.

The Lithium Triangle is attracting growing global interest. How is Southern Cross Exploration leveraging its expertise to navigate the challenges and opportunities of this high-potential region during the early stages of exploration?

Southern Cross Exploration faces significant challenges in the Lithium Triangle, such as the remote location of exploration areas, extreme climate, limited infrastructure, and restricted supply availability. To overcome these difficulties, we make the most of available resources and our knowledge of the region, adapting strategically to local conditions to optimise our operations. This approach enables us to advance through exploration phases despite logistical complexities.

Technology is transforming the mining sector, especially in remote areas. How is Southern Cross Exploration incorporating advanced technologies in its lithium exploration projects to enhance efficiency, safety, and discovery potential?

Southern Cross Exploration maintains a diversified portfolio that includes lithium, copper, and uranium projects, among others. We apply the latest technologies to optimise the efficiency of our operations and reduce environmental impact. We employ advanced tools, such as detailed geophysical surveys and the processing of hyperspectral images from satellites like LANDSAT and ASTER, which allow us to identify potential discovery areas accurately and work more safely in remote locations. This technological approach supports our commitment to responsible exploration and efficient resource management.

With the growing global demand for lithium, what are Southern Cross Exploration's plans to expand its exploration activities and ensure a robust project pipeline that can meet future needs in the electric vehicle and renewable energy sectors?

With rising global demand for lithium, Southern Cross Exploration is focused on expanding its exploration activities and strengthening its project pipeline to meet the needs of growing sectors like electric vehicles and renewable energy. To ensure a steady flow of projects, the company explores strategic areas and maintains close relationships with other industry players, facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration on future developments. This holistic approach allows us to anticipate market needs and ensure an ethical and sustainable supply of critical resources.

What role does Southern Cross Exploration envision in supporting Argentina’s position as a leading lithium producer, and how are you working with local communities to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship during the exploration phase?

The development of our projects in Argentina is focused on fostering both local and national economic growth. As our projects progress, we seek to integrate local communities, building relationships based on mutual respect and contributing to their economic development. We believe that active collaboration with communities will benefit all involved and support Argentina’s position as a key lithium producer in the global market.

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