Argentina Critical Minerals
Facts checked against sources on . How we check facts.
Argentina mined an estimated 23,000 t of lithium in 2025, 7.9% of the world and fifth among producers, and USGS lists 4.4 million tonnes of reserves. The country's RIGI regime, set by Law 27.742 of July 2024, gives projects above US$200 million 30 years of regulatory stability, with benefits extended up to 40 years for strategic long-term export projects above US$1 billion. Lithium Argentina said in August 2026 that RIGI approval for Stage 2 of Cauchari-Olaroz is in place and that the operation remains on track for 35,000 to 40,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate in 2026.
7.9%
of world lithium mine production came from Argentina in 2025, the fifth largest share
US$200 million
minimum investment for a project to apply to the RIGI regime, which guarantees 30 years of regulatory stability
9,280 t
of lithium carbonate produced at Cauchari-Olaroz in the second quarter of 2026, on 35,000 to 40,000 t full-year guidance
$19,563 /t
average realised price of lithium carbonate at Cauchari-Olaroz in the second quarter of 2026
Which critical minerals does Argentina produce?
The table shows where Argentina ranks in USGS estimates of 2025 world production. Lithium is the only critical mineral where Argentina holds a top-five position.
| Mineral | 2025 production (USGS estimate) | Share of world | Rank | Reserves (share of world) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lithium | 23,000 t of lithium content | 7.9% | 5 of 10 | 4,400,000 t (12%) |
| Silver | 800 t of silver content | 3.1% | 10 of 14 | 6,500 t (1.1%) |
Source: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026 chapters. Shares are calculated by this site from the USGS country figure and the larger of the USGS world total and the sum of the country figures, because USGS rounds the world total. Units differ by row. Rank is among the countries named in each USGS table. USGS revised Argentina's 2024 lithium production based on company reports.
What does the RIGI regime offer?
RIGI is Argentina's main tool for large investments, including in mining. The table gives its main terms as the Foreign Ministry summarised them and the first lithium result.
| Item | What it says | Date | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| RIGI (Law 27.742, Title VII) | Large Investment Incentive Regime: eight sectors including mining; minimum investment US$200 million; up to three years to join; 30 years of regulatory stability; tax, customs, foreign exchange and jurisdictional benefits; strategic long-term exports above US$1 billion can extend stability to 40 years and qualify for export duty exemption from year two | Law published 8 July 2024 | Foreign Ministry summary |
| Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 2 | Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng agreed a modular approach to Stage 2 to accelerate the first 10,000 t a year of growth; RIGI approval is in place and early development is under way; the company holds 44.8% of the operator Exar | 11 August 2026 | Lithium Argentina |
| Cauchari-Olaroz operations | Second quarter production of 9,280 t of lithium carbonate after a planned shutdown; 95% of design capacity in the first half; full-year guidance 35,000 to 40,000 t | 11 August 2026 | Lithium Argentina |
The Foreign Ministry document is a first analysis of the published law and says it is subject to later regulation, so check the Official Bulletin text for the current terms.
How does Argentina's model differ from Chile and Bolivia?
Argentina invites private capital with legal stability rather than state ownership, which is why large lithium expansions such as Cauchari-Olaroz Stage 2 sought RIGI approval. The Chile profile describes state participation and the Bolivia profile a state-only rule.
Which Argentine lithium projects have outside backing?
Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng operate Cauchari-Olaroz, and India's state-backed KABIL acquired about 15,703 hectares in Catamarca for lithium exploration and mining, according to the Indian Cabinet statement summarised in the India profile. Lithium Argentina reported an average realised price of about $19,563 per tonne in the second quarter of 2026, and the lithium page covers prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much lithium does Argentina produce?
USGS estimates Argentina's 2025 lithium mine production at 23,000 t, 7.9% of the world, with reserves of 4.4 million tonnes.
What is RIGI?
RIGI is Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime under Law 27.742. It requires a minimum investment of US$200 million and guarantees 30 years of regulatory stability, with up to 40 years for strategic long-term export projects above US$1 billion.
What is Cauchari-Olaroz?
Cauchari-Olaroz is a lithium operation run by Exar, in which Lithium Argentina holds 44.8% and Ganfeng is the partner. It produced 9,280 tonnes of lithium carbonate in the second quarter of 2026 and has a Stage 2 expansion with RIGI approval.
Is Argentina a top lithium producer?
Argentina ranks fifth in the USGS 2025 table, behind Australia, China, Chile and Zimbabwe, according to the figures USGS lists.
Sources
Read on October 13, 2026. Figures on this page come from these documents; where a number is an estimate, the source says so.
- USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026: Lithium
- Argentine Foreign Ministry: SÃntesis de las principales caracterÃsticas del RIGI en la Ley 27.742 (July 2024). First analysis of the published law; later regulation not read
- Lithium Argentina: Second quarter 2026 results (11 August 2026)
