Argentina is expected to produce 131,800 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2025, marking a 77% increase compared to the 74,600 tons extracted in 2024, according to projections released by the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM).
The growth is primarily attributed to the launch of new operations in the province of Salta and expansions at existing projects in Catamarca and Jujuy.
Despite a 62.5% increase in lithium output last year, Argentina’s lithium exports declined by 24% in 2024, totaling $631 million. This drop was largely driven by a 36% decline in global lithium prices, which affected revenues despite rising volumes.
Argentina: A Key Player in Global Lithium
According to the U.S. Geological Survey, Argentina ranks:
- 5th in global lithium production (after Australia, Chile, China, and Zimbabwe)
- 3rd in lithium reserves (after Chile and Australia)
- 1st in lithium resources, alongside Bolivia
Currently, six lithium projects are in production in Argentina:
- Fénix (Rio Tinto)
- Sal de Oro (Posco)
- Cauchari-Olaroz (Ganfeng)
- Olaroz (Rio Tinto)
- Centenario-Ratones (Eramet)
- Mariana (Ganfeng)
Mining Sector Growth and Exploration Investment
Argentina hosts 62 lithium projects in different development stages, according to the Ministry of Mining. With advanced construction underway in several of these, the country aims to climb the global lithium production ranks.
“The jump in lithium production is enormous,” said Alejandra Cardona, executive director of CAEM, during a press briefing on the sector’s outlook and the upcoming Arminera 2025 mining expo, set to take place in Buenos Aires from May 20 to 22.
Mining is now Argentina’s sixth-largest export complex, with total exports reaching $4.6 billion in 2024, a 15% increase year-over-year. The sector provides direct employment to 40,000 people.
In 2024, Argentina ranked as the sixth global destination for mining exploration budgets, attracting $500 million in investments. Exploration spending focused primarily on:
- Copper: 41%
- Gold: 27%
- Lithium: 26%
With global lithium demand driven by the energy transition, Argentina’s momentum in this critical resource sector could solidify its position as a key supplier in the coming years.