Argentina’s mining under the radar: record exports, lithium boom, and RIGI investment

In June 2026, Argentina's mining sector achieved a record of exports amounting to US$744 million, accounting for 9% of the country's total exports. This represented a 9.7% share of the first six months of the year, marking a new peak. Driving the growth are higher lithium volumes, increasing international prices, and constant contributions from precious metals. Gold remained the leading export, while lithium took the second spot and set a record in June.

The Argentine mining sector is increasingly becoming a core part of the country's exports, capturing 9% of the nation's total. According to Aleph Energy, mining exports totaled US$744 million in June, a record for the month. The total figure for the first six months of 2026 stands at US$4.7 billion, accounting for 9.7% of all exports - a record for the country during that period. The growth is fueled by a combination of higher lithium volumes, rising international prices, and the sustained contribution of precious metals.

Gold, the leading export, reached US$401 million in June, a 9% year-over-year increase and a 38% improvement over the past 12 months. Silver contributed US$108 million, with a 116% year-over-year growth and a 67% increase compared to the previous year. Together, metal-bearing minerals constituted 69.2% of June's mining exports.

Although lithium exports reached only US$179 million in June, they experienced a remarkable 329% year-over-year jump and a 113% increase in 2026. Lithium carbonate, which makes up a significant portion of these exports, saw a 65% year-over-year increase and a 40% growth on a rolling-year basis. Total production rose to 11.562 tons, marking a 45% annual increase.

Despite lithium's rapid growth, gold remains the primary revenue generator, with its exports worth US$401 million in June, up by 9% year-over-year and 38% compared to the last 12 months.

The investment landscape is beginning to reshape Argentina's mining sector. Projects approved under the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI) show that mining, energy, oil, and gas are attracting significant investor interest. Major initiatives are centered around lithium, copper, gold, and silver. So far, mining, energy, oil, and gas account for nearly all investor interest recorded so far.

Roberto Cacciola, president of the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies, highlighted Argentina's world-class geological resources and the growing demand for critical minerals in an international context where the energy transition is pushing up the need for these minerals. Mining is already contributing nearly half of RIGI projects and investments totaling nearly US$40 billion.