Argentina's mining exports are projected to surpass $5bn in 2025, marking a significant increase from $4.6bn in 2024, according to the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM).

The sector's growth comes despite ongoing challenges in specific sub-sectors like lithium, and reflects strong performances in gold, copper, silver, and other minerals.

"This year (mining exports) could be above $5bn or $5.2bn," Roberto Cacciola, CAEM president, told Reuters. The growth will be driven primarily by rising gold prices, which are expected to offset declining lithium values, while lithium production volumes continue to expand.

According to National Mining Secretariat data, gold dominated 2024 exports with $3.14bn (68% of total), followed by silver at $641mn (14%) and lithium at $631mn (13.6%). Gold and silver production are expected to remain steady or decline slightly due to maturing mining projects, while lithium output is anticipated to increase.

Lithium exports alone are expected to reach nearly $950mn in 2025, up 44% year-on-year, supported by production ramp-ups and new project launches.

The positive outlook represents a significant boost for President Javier Milei's administration, which has prioritised mining sector growth as part of Argentina's broader economic recovery strategy. The government has actively courted investment through the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), designed to attract major international mining companies.

The policy has already yielded results, with Rio Tinto securing approval for its $2.5bn lithium project in Salta province and McEwen Copper advancing its $2.7bn Los Azules copper development.

This mining sector expansion comes at a crucial time for Argentina's economy, providing much-needed foreign currency revenues and investment flows.

However, the sector's continued growth will depend on maintaining stable regulatory conditions and global commodity demand, both critical factors as Milei's administration seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of its pro-business economic reforms.

The provinces of Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, and San Juan remain key mining hubs due to their resource endowments and pro-mining policies.