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| Critical Mineral |
Foreign investors drive lithium expansion as Argentina targets upstream dominance in critical minerals
Argentina aims to generate $30 billion in annual exports of critical minerals within the next five to seven years, according to Vice Minister of Energy and Mining Daniel Gonzalez. Speaking at CERAWeek by S&P Global in Houston, Gonzalez highlighted lithium and copper as the pillars of this ambitious target.
Argentina is rapidly emerging as a global lithium production hub, with multiple foreign-funded brine-based projects advancing toward full battery-grade output. Six lithium projects are currently operational, backed by Ganfeng Lithium (China), Eramet (France), Rio Tinto (UK-Australia), and Arcadium Lithium (US)—recently acquired by Rio Tinto.
“There are no restrictions on foreign ownership,” said Gonzalez, reinforcing Argentina’s pro-investment stance. Projects are largely vertically integrated, producing battery-grade lithium salts for global electric vehicle and energy storage markets.
Lithium Processing Scales, But Battery Manufacturing Lags
Argentina now boasts growing lithium processing capacity, but lacks domestic battery manufacturing infrastructure.
“All of their projects go to battery grade… What we don’t have is battery manufacturing. I don’t think we will have, unfortunately,” Gonzalez admitted.
Still, Argentina’s ability to consistently supply battery-grade lithium ensures its critical role in global decarbonization supply chains, especially as Western nations look to diversify beyond China.
Copper’s Role in Energy Transition
In parallel, Argentina is working to scale its copper production, targeting increasing demand driven by global electrification. With stable governance and attractive geology, Argentina is positioning itself as a preferred upstream destination for both critical and base metals.
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