Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng Announce PPG Scoping Study Results and Stage 1 Environmental Approval

Lithium Argentina (LAR) finalized a joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium Group (002460.SZ), securing a $180M investment. Ganfeng will hold 67% of the PPG JV, combining three lithium projects in Argentina. The investment includes a convertible note at a 96% premium to LAR's average share price, with proceeds to repay $259M in debt. Both companies expect the transactions to close in September.

Lithium Argentina (LAR) reported Q2 2026 earnings, producing 9,280 tonnes of lithium carbonate with cash operating costs of $5,897 per tonne. Revenue reached $174 million, with a 70% cash operating margin. The company expects full-year production of 35,000-40,000 tonnes and is advancing expansion plans. Net income was $1.3 million, up from a loss last year. CEO Samuel Pigott highlighted strong operational performance and low carbon footprint.

Lithium Argentina AG (TSX/NYSE: LAR) reported Q2 2026 results, citing Cauchari-Olaroz output of 9,280 tonnes of lithium carbonate and near design capacity. Q2 revenue was $174 million, adjusted EBITDA $110 million, operating cash flow $142 million and free cash flow from operations $141 million. Net debt fell $114 million and Stage 2 expansion progress continued under RIGI.

Lithium Argentina AG (TSX: LAR, NYSE: LAR) said its Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine operation closed $220 million in unsecured debt facilities to fund flexibility for Stage 2 expansion of 45,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent. The facilities include $50 million (2-year) and $170 million (3-year, interest under 5%), drawdown until Q2 2027, backed by Ganfeng.

BioNTech (NASDAQ:BNTX) halted a mid-stage trial of its mRNA cancer vaccine, autogene cevumeran, due to an overall survival imbalance. The decision raises concerns about its mRNA strategy in colorectal cancer and other 'cold' tumors. BioNTech plans to continue other trials, including one for pancreatic cancer and BNT113 for head and neck cancer. The company also focuses on diversifying its oncology pipeline. According to Reuters, the news caused a 7.5% drop in BioNTech's US-listed shares.

Volkswagen (VW) plans to produce components for Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system at its Osnabrück, Germany factory. The move is part of VW's restructuring efforts amid economic challenges and competition. The project involves a joint venture with Israeli defense company Rafael and the German state of Lower Saxony, aiming to overcome opposition from Qatar's sovereign wealth fund, a VW stakeholder. This marks VW's return to defense-related manufacturing as European defense spending rises.