Hualian Holdings (000036.SZ): Argentina's investment in the Alizaro lithium salt lake project may trigger scrutiny

Zhitong Finance App News, Hualian Holdings (000036.SZ) issued an announcement. On August 14, 2026, the company received a “Notice Letter” from the Canadian Foreign Investment Review and Economic Security Authority (“FIRES”), believing that the company's investment in Argentina's Arizaro lithium salt lake project may affect Canada's national security and may initiate further scrutiny. The company used its own or self-raised capital of approximately US$175 million to transfer 100% of the shares of Argentum Lithium S.A. held by the counterparty in total, thus obtaining 80% of the rights in the Arizaro lithium salt lake project in Argentina. The Company is unable to assess the possible impact of this Notice at this time. There is uncertainty about whether this transaction will finally pass the review, review results, and completion time.