🇦🇷 Argentina is poised to break a historic record in mining exports in 2025, with total exports projected to exceed $5 billion, up from approximately $4.6 billion in 2024. This milestone underscores a robust growth trajectory fueled by rising commodity prices, increased production, and supportive government incentives amid global economic uncertainties.
Key projections for 2025 estimate mining exports between $5 billion and $5.2 billion, with the first half of the year already showing a 30% year-over-year increase at around $2.4 billion. Argentina has experienced five consecutive years of mining export growth, surpassing previous peaks and ranking as the third largest foreign currency contributor from mining in 2023 with a surplus of $3.26 billion.
The export composition remains dominated by gold, which accounted for $3.14 billion or 68% of total mining exports in 2024, followed by silver at $641 million (14%) and lithium at $631 million (13.6%). While gold and silver production volumes are expected to remain stable or slightly decline due to maturing projects, rising gold prices are offsetting volume decreases.
Lithium production is expanding significantly, with an estimated 130,800 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent forecasted for early 2025—a 75% increase over 2024. However, lithium export values are expected to stabilize near 2024 levels due to a steep price drop exceeding 90%, driven by oversupply and weaker demand from China. Copper mining presents a major growth opportunity, with world-class projects such as McEwen Copper’s $2.7 billion Los Azules development underway. Copper could contribute approximately $47 billion cumulatively to Argentina’s economy by 2040, averaging $4 billion annually from 2031 to 2040.
The government under President Javier Milei is actively promoting mining through the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), offering tax, customs, and exchange benefits for investments exceeding $200 million, including a reduced and stable 25% corporate tax rate over 30 years. Significant projects like Rio Tinto’s $2.7 billion Rincon lithium project and McEwen Copper’s Los Azules have received approval, signaling strong institutional support.
Mining contributes about 0.82% to Argentina’s Gross Value Added and ranks as the sixth largest export sector. The industry supports over 41,000 direct jobs with wages significantly higher than the national average, and approximately 80% of revenue from large mining companies remains within the country, aiding local economic development. Export duties and royalties also provide substantial fiscal revenue.
Challenges persist, particularly in the lithium segment due to price volatility and global oversupply, causing some project delays and a focus on operational sustainability. The sector’s future growth depends on maintaining stable regulatory frameworks and favorable global commodity demand.
Overall, Argentina’s mining sector is undergoing a transformative boom, positioning the country as a significant player in global mining markets, especially within the lithium triangle and copper industries. This growth offers considerable business opportunities, investment potential, and economic benefits, reinforcing mining’s strategic role in Argentina’s economic stability and foreign currency generation.
Source(s): https://energynews.oedigital.com/mineral-resources/2025/07/17/argentinas-mining-exports-will-top-5-billion-by-2025-despite-lithium-struggles-industry-body-claims, https://www.intellinews.com/argentine-mining-exports-set-to-exceed-5bn-in-2025-391792/, https://www.crugroup.com/en/communities/thought-leadership/2025/copper-mining-a-47-billion-opportunity-for-the-argentinian-economy/
Disclaimer: This news article was generated with AI from real sources. AI can make mistakes, check important info.
