Argentina's Mining Exports Rose 74.4% to US$4.7 Billion Through June

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Written by Amir Richani for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

High prices for gold, silver and lithium drove Argentina's mining exports to US$4.74 billion through June 2026, a 74.4% year-on-year increase. Lithium production continues to increase as recently commissioned plants ramp up and others begin production.

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Export Boost

Argentina's mining exports between January and June amounted to US$4.74 billion, a 74.4% increase compared to the same period last year and 154.7% above the first-half average from 2010 through 2025. This export performance reflected higher metal prices and stronger production for lithium.

Of total mining exports, gold accounted for US$2.91 billion and silver US$562 million. The price og gold and silver increased amid geopolitical tensions and tariff threats that have pushed investors towards these safe-haven commodities.

Lithium Emerges as a Major Export Driver

Lithium accounted for US$1.1 billion in exports in the first half of 2026, representing a 185% year-on-year increase. The increase reflects higher commodity prices and a 68.2% rise in Argentina's lithium export volumes, supported by the continued ramp-up of Argentina's lithium operations.

Between January and May, Argentina beneficiated approximately 55,700 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), a 47.5% year-on-year increase, according to the Industrial Mining Production Index.

Meanwhile, the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM) forecasts lithium production to reach 172,700 tonnes of LCE in 2026, a 48% increase from the volumes recorded in 2025.

Argentina's lithium production has increased in recent years as new operations enter service and recently commissioned projects ramp up toward their installed capacity. As of August, Industrial Info Resources is tracking 13 active lithium extraction and processing facilities in Argentina.

CAEM forecasts mining exports of US$9.11 billion in 2026, compared to US$6.07 billion recorded in 2025.

Lithium prices began recovering during the second half of 2025 after a prolonged decline from their 2022 peak, which had forced producers to curtail operations, delay expansions and reduce investment. Despite that downturn, Argentina continued expanding lithium production.

Lithium prices have recovered thanks to a stronger demand for battery storage and supply disruptions at key mines. Despite the rebound, lithium prices remain well below the record levels reached in 2022. For this year, CAEM forecasted an export price for Argentine lithium of US$14.9 per kilogram, compared to US$8.7 per kilogram in 2025.

Despite its recent production growth, Argentina's lithium industry remains below its potential scale. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the South American country has one of the world's top three lithium resources, estimated at 28 million tonnes of contained lithum.

As an example of the country's possible capacity, Industrial Info Resources is tracking 81 lithium projects in Argentina amounting to investments of US$24.69 billion.

A handful of these projects have already been approved under Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime, which offers tax, customs, and legal benefits to qualifying investments for projects above US$200 million.

Copper: Next Growth Engine

In addition to gold, silver and lithium, Argentina could become a major global copper producer in the next decade. The South American nation has attracted the interest of major international companies such as Lundin, McEwen, Glencore and BHP, who are advancing on multibillion-dollar projects.

Mining Secretary Luis Lucero told Reuters in May that Argentina's copper production could reach 1.6 million tonnes annually and generate over US$ 20 billion in exports in the next decade, provided projects are completed.

Overall, Industrial Info Resources has mapped 302 mining projects in Argentina amounting to US$71.55 billion in investments.

Key Takeaways

• Argentina's mining exports reached US$4.74 billion in the first semester, a 74.4% year-on-year increase.
• Lithium exports accounted for US$1.1 billion, 185% more than last year.
• Argentina's mining portfolio includes 302 projects worth more than US$70 billion.

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About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, Industrial Info Resources is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 trillion (USD).