Argentina's lithium production reached record levels in November 2025, with official data from the National Institute of Statistics and Censuses (INDEC) confirming a 66.4% year-on-year increase in lithium carbonate output. The figures underscore Argentina's growing role as a strategic supplier of critical minerals essential for battery storage, electric vehicles and renewable energy systems.
Record Production Figures
According to INDEC, lithium carbonate production reached 11,244.3 tonnes in November 2025, marking a substantial acceleration in output compared to the same period in 2024. For the eleven-month period from January through November, cumulative lithium production increased 61.4%, significantly outpacing growth in other extractive sectors.
The data also showed that Argentina's overall non-metallic minerals and industrial rock extraction index rose 30.3% year-on-year in November, with lithium production emerging as the primary driver of sectoral growth. The minerals for chemical manufacturing category, which includes lithium, showed a cumulative increase of 40.6% through November 2025.
Strategic Position in the Lithium Triangle
Argentina sits within the Lithium Triangle, a region shared with Chile and Bolivia that contains approximately 60% of the world's known lithium reserves. The country's lithium deposits, concentrated primarily in the northwestern provinces of Salta, Jujuy and Catamarca, are predominantly extracted from brine operations in high-altitude salt flats.
The sustained growth in production reflects accelerated development of both existing operations and new projects, supported by increased global demand for lithium-ion batteries used in energy storage and electric mobility.
Implications for the Energy Transition
Lithium remains a cornerstone material for the global energy transition. It is a critical input for battery production, which in turn supports the deployment of renewable energy systems requiring large-scale storage and the electrification of transport sectors worldwide.
As countries advance decarbonisation strategies, securing reliable access to lithium has become a priority for governments and industry. Argentina's capacity to scale production positions the country as a key player in international supply chains for clean energy technologies.
Broader Mining Sector Performance
The INDEC report also revealed that Argentina's overall mining production index increased 1.8% year-on-year in November 2025, with a cumulative growth of 3.2% through the first eleven months of the year. Crude oil extraction showed particularly strong performance, rising 12.8% year-on-year and contributing significantly to the sector's overall expansion.
Investment and Development Outlook
The production increase comes amid growing international interest in Argentina's mineral resources. Recent trade and cooperation agreements, including bilateral frameworks with major economies, have reinforced the country's strategic relevance in global critical mineral markets.
Authorities have indicated that further expansion is anticipated as additional projects advance toward production and existing operations continue to scale capacity. However, realising the full potential of Argentina's lithium sector will depend on sustained investment, infrastructure development and regulatory stability.
A Growing Role in Global Supply Chains
Argentina's lithium production growth reflects broader trends in the critical minerals sector, where resource-rich countries are increasingly integrating into global value chains linked to energy security and industrial transformation.
As demand for battery-grade lithium continues to rise, Argentina's ability to maintain production growth and attract downstream investment will determine its long-term positioning in the evolving landscape of the energy transition.
Sources:
https://www.indec.gob.ar/uploads/informesdeprensa/ipi_minero_01_26B7ED4F1DAA.pdf
