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Written by Amir Richani for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)
Summary
Argentina’s mining exports reached US$5.36 billion between January and July, up 67.5% year over year. Gold export values increased 43.6%, silver export values rose 69.8%, and lithium values rose 193.7%. Argentina continues to attract interest in its mining resources.
Rising Gold & Silver Prices Drive Higher Export Values
Argentina’s Ministry of Economy and Secretary of Mining reported mining exports worth US$5.36 billion between January and July 2026, a record 67.5% jump from the same period in 2025. The export value was driven by high commodity prices as gold and silver, despite a drop in volumes.
According to the latest available data, gold exports accounted for US$3.2 billion in the first seven months of the year, up 43.6% in value despite a 22.9% volume decrease. Similarly, silver exports totaled US$655 million, 69.8% higher than in 2025 despite a 1.1% volume decline. Other metals accounted for US$110 million.
Gold and silver prices reached record levels earlier in 2026, amid geopolitical tensions and a weaker US dollar. However, prices have since fluctuated due to inflation, U.S. monetary policy, conflict in the Middle East, and higher oil prices.
Industrial Info Resources is tracking 13 active gold and 10 silver mines in Argentina; however, several of these assets produce both metals. Additionally, Industrial Info Resources also is tracking 86 gold and silver mining projects in Argentina, with a total investment value of US$24.61 billion. These projects include polymetallic mines, such as the Vicuña project, which is planned to produce silver, gold and copper. The Global Market Intelligence (GMI) Metals & Minerals Project Database offers a detailed report on Vicuña.
Meanwhile, the value of lithium exports in the first seven months of the year reached US$1.28 billion, or 24% of Argentina’s mining exports. This amount represents a 193.7% year-over-year increase, backed by higher lithium prices and a 63.6% jump in export volumes.
Lithium prices have partially recovered from the decline from their 2022 highs. The drop in prices prompted producers to reduce production and caused delays in several projects worldwide. Since then, prices have remained volatile, though demand for electric vehicles as well as battery energy storage systems (BESS) has contributed to a price recovery since the end of 2025.
According to the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM), Argentina produced 116,600 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2025, 56% more than in the previous year. For 2026, CAEM has forecast production of 172,000 tonnes of LCE.
Lithium is one of the hot commodities in Argentina. International companies such as Posco, Ganfeng and Rio Tinto have shown interest in investing in the country and developing projects. This interest is supported by the nation’s vast natural resources, which, according to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), rank among the world’s largest at 28 million tonnes.
In total, Industrial Info Resources is tracking 85 lithium projects in Argentina worth US$26.19 billion. Of those, 44 projects, worth US$9.76 billion are grassroot developments, while the remaining investments are focused on expansions, plant additions or efficiency improvements at existing operations.
By export destination, Switzerland received 31% of Argentina’s mining exports by value, followed by China with 26%, the U.S. with 16% and Canada with 8%. Together, these countries accounted for 81% of Argentina’s mining export value.
Interest in Argentina
Argentina’s vast mining resources have been supported by the government’s Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), a program aimed at attracting investment in projects worth more than US$200 million in exchange for long-term tax, legal and foreign-exchange benefits.
Since the program’s launch, lithium projects such as Rincon, Hombre Muerto Oeste, and Sal de Oro have received approval and are included in the RIGI program.
Besides lithium, gold, and silver, Argentina is building a robust copper production pipeline with several projects worth billions of dollars already announced.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina’s mining exports reached US$5.36 billion between January and July this year, up 67.5% year on year.
- Gold and silver exports accounted for US$3.2 billion and US$655 million, respectively.
- Lithium exports in the first seven months of the year reached US$1.28 billion, a 193.7% year-over-year increase.
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).
