Argentina\u2019s mining sector posted its strongest performance on record in 2025, driven by new investments and expanding production. Official government data show mineral exports totaled $6.03 billion between January and December, a 29.2% increase from the previous year.<\/p>\n
The result reflects the maturation of large-scale investments and the start-up of new mining operations, particularly in precious metals and minerals critical to the energy transition.<\/p>\n
Metallic minerals remained the backbone of the sector\u2019s export mix, accounting for 82% of total revenue, or $4.94 billion. Gold was the standout, reaching a historic high of $4.07 billion in export shipments.<\/p>\n
Lithium on the rise as production expands<\/strong><\/p>\n Lithium consolidated its position as the second pillar of Argentina\u2019s mining industry, with exports totaling $905 million, or 15% of the sector\u2019s total. The record was driven by a rapid expansion of production capacity: between 2024 and 2025, four new projects entered operation, bringing the number of active lithium mines in the country to seven.<\/p>\n Other industrial minerals and dimension stone generated $184 million in exports, accounting for the remaining 3% of the sector\u2019s trade balance.<\/p>\n Logistics outlook and the RIGI effect<\/strong><\/p>\n The record performance has been attributed to a combination of favorable international prices and the consolidation of large-scale operations. Looking ahead, the market expects even stronger growth, supported by the RIGI, Argentina\u2019s incentive regime for large investments.<\/p>\n The program has attracted new capital for infrastructure and export logistics, which are essential to move output from mining provinces to ports. With fresh investment and lithium production stabilizing, mining is expected to significantly increase its contribution to Argentina\u2019s trade surplus in the short and medium term.<\/p>\n