Argentina, currently the world’s fifth-largest lithium producer, is projected to produce 130,800 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) in 2025—a 75% rise compared to 2024, the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM) announced on Tuesday.
This increase will largely be driven by new lithium projects in Salta and the expansion of existing operations in Catamarca and Jujuy, the northern provinces where most of the country’s lithium activity is concentrated, said Alejandra Cardona, CAEM’s executive director.
Argentina currently has six active lithium projects, with four of them producing a combined 74,600 tonnes of LCE in 2024—a 62% jump from 2023 levels, Cardona added. South America holds the world’s largest known lithium resources, spanning Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile. Lithium is a critical component in electric vehicles, batteries, and the global energy transition.
Cardona attributed the production increase to ongoing expansions at the Salar de Olaroz and Fenix mines, as well as the ramp-up of the Cauchari Olaroz project. She also noted that production had started at the new Sal de Oro project, which began operations in October 2024.
During a presentation in Buenos Aires by CAEM and the International Lithium Association (ILiA), industry representatives expressed confidence that Argentina’s mining sector would not suffer major setbacks from trade measures imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Jorge Mora, ILiA’s South America representative, said lithium demand is unlikely to fall. “China remains the largest consumer and producer of electric vehicles, and that market is unaffected by Trump’s policies,” he told media. Mora also commended President Javier Milei’s libertarian administration for implementing tax incentives to attract investment.
Roberto Cacciola, president of CAEM, echoed this optimism, suggesting the trade war might even create new opportunities for Argentina. “There may be some short-term effects, such as lower oil prices, decreased export value, and challenges in the aluminum and steel industries,” Cacciola said. “But in terms of energy, agriculture, and mining, Argentina may experience some turbulence but not significant consequences.”
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