2025 SMM South American Lithium Resources Field Trip – Second Stop: Undersecretariat of Mining Development, Argentina

In recent years, the significant fluctuations in lithium prices have subjected enterprises across the industry chain to a rollercoaster of experiences. Although lithium prices are no longer as high as they once were, the development prospects of the new energy industry chain remain bright amid the global advocacy for a low-carbon economy, with the importance of lithium resources becoming increasingly prominent.

As one of the regions with the most abundant lithium resources globally, South America, particularly the "Lithium Triangle" (comprising Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile), boasts over 55% of the world's proven lithium reserves. Consequently, South America's lithium resources play a pivotal role in the global energy transition.

Against this backdrop, SMM organized the 2025 SMM South American Lithium Resources Field Trip. Led by Chen Siyu, the project manager of SMM's overseas South American lithium resources field trip, and Zhou Zhicheng, a senior analyst in new energy and lithium batteries, the delegation visited South American lithium-related enterprises, toured local lithium mines and material companies, and held discussions with company executives from May 15 to May 26, 2025, to explore potential opportunities in lithium resource development, technological exchanges, and investment cooperation. On May 15, SMM and the delegation members headed to the Undersecretariat of Mining Development of Argentina for in-depth exchanges.

Company Profile

SMM and the delegation members visited the Undersecretariat of Mining Development of Argentina, where they were warmly received by Dr. MARIO R. THIEM, the Undersecretary of Mining Development at the Ministry of Economy, and his team, who provided a detailed introduction to their business development.

The Undersecretariat of Mining Development of Argentina (Subsecretaría de Desarrollo Minero) is a key institution under the Ministry of Economy (Ministerio de Economía) responsible for formulating and implementing national mining development policies. The department is dedicated to promoting mining investment by designing and executing policies and action plans that cover all stages of mining projects, actively attracting domestic and overseas investors. It also provides comprehensive information support to potential investors, including legal, geological, mining rights, and project background details, to facilitate investment decisions. Meanwhile, the institution strictly supervises and enforces national laws and regulations related to mining activities to ensure industry compliance. Additionally, the Undersecretariat coordinates the effective implementation of mining policies between national and provincial governments and promotes cooperation among institutions such as the Federal Mining Commission (COFEMIN). To foster sustainable development, the department also actively collaborates with international and multilateral institutions to promote the implementation of best practices in the mining sector, including the promotion of environmental and social responsibility standards.

The current Undersecretary, Mario Ricardo Thiem, is a lawyer with extensive experience in the energy industry. He previously served as the manager of the legal department at YPF (Yacimientos Petrolíferos Fiscales), Argentina's national oil company, and held various job titles at Chevron from 2005 to 2011. Additionally, he led the MRT LLC consulting firm, providing advisory services to US oil and natural gas companies operating in Latin America. During the presidency of Mauricio Macri, Mr. Thiem served as a director of IEASA (Integración Energética Argentina S.A.).

This institution plays a central role in the formulation and implementation of Argentina's mining policies, particularly in attracting foreign direct investment, advancing mining projects, and promoting environmental and social responsibility. Its goal is to drive the country's economic growth and social progress through sustainable mining development.

Following the visit, SMM and the field trip delegation took a group photo with Dr. MARIO R. THIEM, the Undersecretary of Mining Development at the Ministry of Economy, and his team, to strengthen their cooperative friendship and foster deeper exchanges and collaborations in the future!

Through this field trip and survey, SMM and the delegation gained a deeper understanding of the operations of the Undersecretariat of Mining Development of Argentina, as well as a more profound insight into the market status, development trends, and existing challenges of the lithium battery industry in South America. They will continue to deepen cooperation with major enterprises to achieve complementary advantages and promote the development of the lithium battery industry.