The Argentine mining sector is increasingly becoming a core part of the country’s exports. According to a report by consulting firm Aleph Energy, mining exports totaled US$744 million in June, 9% of the country’s total exports. 

The total figure for the first six months of 2026 is US$4.7 billion (9.7% of total exports), a record for the country during that period.

Growth is driven by a combination of higher lithium volumes, rising international prices, and the sustained contribution of precious metals. Gold remained the leading export, but lithium solidified its position as the second-largest mining commodity and set a record for that month.

The new investment landscape is also beginning to reshape the sector’s outlook. Projects approved under the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (in Spanish, RIGI) show that mining, energy, oil, and gas account for virtually all investor interest recorded so far, with major initiatives related to lithium, copper, gold, and silver.

“Argentina has world-class geological resources, particularly in copper, lithium, gold, and silver, in an international context where the energy transition is driving growing demand for critical minerals,” Roberto Cacciola, president of the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM), told Herald sister publication Ámbito.

“This opportunity has already begun to translate into concrete investments, as the mining sector accounts for nearly half of RIGI projects and investments totaling nearly US$40 billion, counting those approved and those currently under review,” he said.

Lithium exports reached US$179 million in June, a 329% year-over-year jump and a 113% increase in 2026. These figures accounted for 28.5% of the month’s mining exports.

Lithium carbonate was once again the most dynamic segment. Exports in June totaled 10,378 metric tons, a 65% y-o-y increase and 40% growth on a rolling-year basis. Total production was 11.562 tons (45% annual rise). 

Although lithium carbonate production is concentrated in seven major projects, the report identifies 68 lithium operations in Argentina, belonging to 41 companies, all at various stages of development. meaning the country could expand its export scale in the coming years.

High prices for gold, silver, and copper in an uneven scene

Although lithium is the fastest-growing mineral, gold remains the main generator of revenue. In June, gold exports reached $401 million, with a 9% year-over-year increase and a 38% improvement over the last 12-month period.

Gold accounted for 52% of the month’s mining exports. Silver, meanwhile, contributed US$108 million, with y-o-y growth of 116% and a 67% increase over the year. Together, metal-bearing minerals accounted for 69.2% of June’s mining exports.

International prices show an uneven scenario. Spot lithium carbonate averaged US$21,100 per........

© Buenos Aires Herald