# Argentina mining expands via US interest and regional pacts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-mining-sector-growth > Updated: 2026-09-06T20:41:34.000Z. Sources: 87. Developments: 17. Argentina’s mining sector continues to expand, driven by lithium and copper. While the industry has seen robust growth through mid-2026, new developments highlight increasing geopolitical and regional integration. The United States is actively targeting Argentina’s lithium and copper to secure strategic supply chains for the energy transition and reduce dependence on China. Lithium production is poised for significant scaling. A study by the Argentine Industrial Union, the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies, and the Inter-American Development Bank indicates a potential capacity expansion of 342,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) over the next decade. This growth is supported by 12 advanced projects. While the country currently has seven active operations with an installed capacity of 200,770 tonnes of LCE, effective production for 2025 is estimated at 115,000 tonnes, or roughly 57% of capacity. By 2035, effective production is projected to average 70% of installed capacity. In the first half of 2026, Argentine mining exports reached a record US$4.742 billion, a nearly 75% increase from the US$2.712 billion recorded in H1 2025. Gold remains the primary export, accounting for approximately 61% of total value, bolstered by high international prices. Lithium has significantly altered the sector's profile, with export values rising by 185% and volumes increasing by 68% despite falling prices. Additionally, the sector saw a historic peak in Foreign Direct Investment, reaching US$24.849 billion in March 2026. Regional cooperation has intensified through the activation of Specific Additional Protocols (PAE) to reactivate a binational mining treaty between Argentina and Chile. This facilitates the development of three major copper-related projects—Vicuña, Nexo Andino, and Filo Sur—representing a portfolio exceeding US$20.7 billion. In September 2026, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru signed a joint declaration in Santiago to coordinate policies on strategic minerals. ## Claims - The growth in Argentine mining was driven exclusively by the lithium sector. (disputed) - The mining industry faces a shortage of specialized profiles, including engineers, geologists, and automation specialists. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Lithium Americas (Argentina) expects full-year production guidance of 35,000 to 40,000 tonnes. (single source) - The Cauchari-Olaroz operation achieved a cash operating margin of 70% in the second quarter. (single source) - Albemarle is undergoing environmental evaluation for a project to implement direct lithium extraction in the Salar de Atacama. (single source) - Argentina and Chile approved Specific Additional Protocols (PAE) to operate three binational mining projects located on the border between San Juan, Argentina, and the Atacama Region, Chile. (single source) - Escondida | BHP selected 25 startups to develop technological pilots valued at USD 3 million. (single source) - The Open Aster innovation program received over 600 applications from Chile, Australia, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and the United States. (single source) - Women represent 24.1% of the total workforce in the mining sector. (single source) - The Chilean government is implementing a strategy to strengthen mining through innovation, technology, and the growth of national suppliers. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-06: Italy–Latin America SME Forum highlights Argentine mining and energy potential At the 10th Italy–Latin America SME Forum in Buenos Aires, Argentine governors promoted regional mining and energy projects to attract international investment for the global energy transition. 18 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mining-and-industrial-development-priorities-highlighted-in-chile-and-argentina ### 2026-09-04: South American nations sign joint declaration on strategic minerals Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru signed a joint declaration in Santiago to coordinate strategic mineral policies and strengthen their position in the global lithium and energy transition markets. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-american-nations-sign-joint-declaration-on-strategic-minerals ### 2026-09-03: Lithium industrialization efforts expand in Argentina and Mexico Argentina and Mexico are pursuing lithium industrialization, with Jujuy focusing on scaling production to compete globally and Mexico investing 175 million pesos in battery assembly plants. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithium-industrialization-efforts-expand-in-argentina-and-mexico ### 2026-09-03: Argentina Mining Norte 2026 attracts 10,000 attendees in Salta The Argentina Mining Norte 2026 convention in Salta drew 10,000 attendees, highlighting regional investment opportunities in lithium and gold, while Chile focuses on mining diversity and economic development. 15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/salta-hosts-argentina-mining-norte-2026-convention ### 2026-09-03: Argentina exports rise 24.6% amid lithium surge and port labor disputes Argentina's exports rose 24.6% in H1 2026, led by lithium and agro-exports, though labor disputes at private ports are causing delays in key hubs like Bahía Blanca. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-exports-rise-246-amid-lithium-surge-and-port-labor-disputes ### 2026-09-02: Mining industry expansion in Salta drives demand for local suppliers and specialized energy Mining in Salta, Argentina, is expanding with seven active mines. Local suppliers seek partnerships to scale, while YPF introduces specialized high-altitude fuel and logistics to support the sector. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mining-industry-expansion-in-salta-drives-demand-for-local-suppliers-and-specialized-energy ### 2026-09-02: Chile and Argentina approve USD 20.7 billion binational mining projects Chile and Argentina have approved protocols for USD 20.7 billion in binational copper projects. Meanwhile, Chile's mining sector sees rising female participation and increased startup innovation. 8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-and-chile-reactivate-binational-mining-treaty ### 2026-08-31: Argentina and Chile activate binational mining protocols Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, and Peru are strengthening cooperation to lead the global market in strategic minerals like copper and lithium for the energy transition. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-and-chile-activate-binational-mining-protocols ### 2026-08-22: Argentina faces execution challenges for critical mineral wealth An Institute of the Americas report suggests Argentina's critical mineral potential depends on overcoming regulatory, financial, and permitting challenges rather than deposit size. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-faces-execution-challenges-for-critical-mineral-wealth ### 2026-08-22: Argentina plans lithium capacity expansion of 342,000 tonnes Argentina aims to expand its lithium capacity by 342,000 tonnes of LCE over the next decade through 12 advanced mining projects. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-plans-lithium-capacity-expansion-of-342000-tonnes ### 2026-08-20: Argentina mining exports rise 75% amid copper and lithium boom Argentina's mining exports have risen by 75%, with copper, lithium, and gold projects expected to drive annual exports beyond US$ 35 billion by 2035 as the investment climate improves. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-mining-exports-rise-75-amid-copper-and-lithium-boom ### 2026-08-16: United States targets Argentina's lithium and copper for strategic supply chains The U.S. is targeting Argentina's lithium and copper reserves to secure critical mineral supply chains, with mining exports projected to reach over $41 billion by 2035 amid competition with China. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-targets-argentinas-lithium-and-copper-for-strategic-supply-chains ### 2026-08-11: Lithium and copper mining drive growth in Argentina and Chile Lithium and copper mining are driving growth in Argentina and Chile, though the industry faces talent shortages and regulatory challenges amid the global energy transition. 14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-lithium-production-drives-11-mining-growth ### 2026-07-31: Eramet and Posco Argentina announce $558M lithium investments in Salta Eramet will invest $350 million to expand its Salta lithium plant, while Posco Argentina’s $208 million “Sal de Oro II” project in the Salar del Hombre Muerto received RIGI approval, together boosting Argentina 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/eramet-and-posco-argentina-announce-558m-lithium-investments-in-salta ### 2026-07-30: Argentina's copper surge and Peru's gold decline shape 2026 mining outlook Argentina's copper projects Josemaría and Los Azules boost 2026 mining exports, while Peru's gold output drops despite higher prices. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentinas-copper-surge-and-perus-gold-decline-shape-2026-mining-outlook ### 2026-07-20: Lithium Prices Rise Sharply, Reviving Argentine Projects and Supporting Portugal's Boticas Mine Lithium prices jumped to $24,000/t in May 2026, boosting Argentina’s production surge and confirming Portugal’s Boticas mine can stay profitable despite market volatility. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lithium-prices-rise-sharply-reviving-argentine-projects-and-supporting-portugals-boticas-mine ### 2026-07-06: Argentina's mining sector posts record 9.2% growth in May Argentina's mining output rose 9.2% YoY in May, driven by oil (up 19.2%) and lithium (up 45%), with salt extraction soaring 129%, marking a historic record. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mexico-copper-output-climbs-amid-looming-global-deficit --- Cite as: Argentina mining expands via US interest and regional pacts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-mining-sector-growth