[REVISION HISTORY]

Argentina mining expands via US interest and regional pacts

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2026-10-28 13:33 UTC → 2026-10-30 03:04 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Argentina’s mining sector continues to expand, driven by lithium and copper. While the industry saw 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, while regional cooperation has intensified through binational treaties and a joint declaration with Chile, Bolivia, and Peru. In late 2026, lithium production and export capacity showed significant upward trends. Lithium exports surged by 186.3% in the first half of 2026, contributing to a nearly 75% rise in total mining exports. To support this, POSCO Argentina inaugurated Plant II of the Sal de Oro project in the Salar del Hombre Muerto, a US$ 954 million investment with an annual capacity of 23,000 tons of lithium carbonate. ~~This expansion, supported by the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), aims for a long-term goal of 100,000 tons per year.~~ Other major projects are advancing, including Rio Tinto’s Rincón project in Salta ~~(projected US$ 2.7 billion)~~ and Eramet’s Centenario-Ratones expansion. ~~In Catamarca, Lake Resources received environmental approval for its Kachi project. Regional integration has deepened through~~ Recent developments highlight a growing economic divergence. While the ~~‘Joint Declaration on Strategic Minerals~~ Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) has attracted billions in foreign capital for ~~Regional Integration’ signed by Argentina, Chile, Bolivia,~~ projects in Catamarca, Salta, and ~~Peru to coordinate policies for the energy transition. Despite momentum, challenges persist. While large-scale foreign investment grows under RIGI,~~ Jujuy, local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) ~~in provinces like Jujuy~~ face ~~closures and~~ severe instability. In Jujuy, business leaders report declining ~~sales. Additionally, experts highlight concerns regarding transparency in Chinese-led operations, potential violations~~ sales and closures, noting that since 2023, the country has seen the loss of ~~indigenous consultation rights,~~ over 230,000 jobs and the ~~need for improved infrastructure, such as~~ closure of 16,000 companies. To address this, the ~~Belgrano Cargas railway,~~ government hosted the first RIGI Business Roundtable in Rosario. Organized by the National Ministry of Economy, the event aimed to ~~support production.~~ link 43 large investment projects with over 1,800 supplier companies. Karina Milei, General Secretary of the Presidency, stated that integrating national suppliers is a central objective to ensure investment benefits reach the broader economy.

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