Argentina to Expand Mineral Exports by Leveraging Lithium, Copper and Gold Resources

According to BNAmericas, data from the Argentine government shows that in the first seven months, the country's mineral exports reached $3.16 billion, up 44% YoY, 50% higher than the average level from 2010-2024.

This growth trend is expected to continue, reaching $20 billion by 2030.

Exports of metal mineral products, mainly including gold and silver, showed strong growth, totaling $2.62 billion in the first seven months, up 48% YoY, with Switzerland, the US, China, and Canada as the main export destinations.

Next was lithium, with cumulative export value of $435 million in the first seven months, up 34% YoY, with China and the US as the primary destinations for lithium carbonate exports. The government does not classify lithium as a metal product.

Five provinces—Santa Cruz, San Juan, Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca—accounted for 98.4% of Argentina's total mineral exports.

Javier Muñoz, CEO of Mineral Forecast, stated, "Some changes in Argentina over the past two years have been very noticeable, particularly in exploration, including Mendoza Province, where mining development is being vigorously promoted. Although some legal obstacles remain, all signs indicate that these will gradually be removed, and Argentina's vast mining potential has attracted widespread attention."

Lithium Industry Booms

Argentina currently has six major lithium mines: Sal de Oro, Cauchari-Olaroz, Centenario-Ratones, Mariana, Olaroz, and Fénix, along with ongoing expansion projects and at least 15 projects in advanced stages.

These 15 projects include: Hombre Muerto West, Rincón, Sal de los Ángeles, Sal de Vida, Tres Quebradas, Kachi, Pastos Grandes, Pozuelos, Salar de Rincón, Arizaro, Cauchari, Cauchari JV, Candelas, Hombre Muerto, and Salar Tolillar.

In 2024, Argentina's lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) exports totaled 71,000 mt, with an export value of $645 million. By 2032, this figure is projected to reach $11.3 billion, more than 17 times the 2024 export value.

Copper Revival

In 2018, Argentina's Alumbrera copper mine closed, but now the country has a batch of late-stage copper mine projects that will restore its copper production.

Future copper production will mainly come from Josemaría, Taca Taca, Mara, El Pachón, San Jorge, Filo del Sol, Los Azules, and Altar.

The Argentine government estimates that the country's copper export value will reach $3 billion by 2029, peak at $11.7 billion in 2033, and then gradually stabilize.

Supplier Engagement

Meanwhile, the Argentine government is fostering a mining-friendly environment. This week, Argentina's ambassador to Chile met with mining suppliers and clients in Santiago, focusing on enhancing synergies between the two countries and strengthening their professional capabilities.

Twenty-two Argentine companies in engineering, environmental consulting, geophysics, and other fields participated in business meetings with Chilean companies and associations.