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Argentina is positioning itself as a key global supplier of critical minerals essential to energy transition. It has ambitions to expand beyond lithium into copper, liquefied natural gas (LNG), uranium, and renewable energy. This is according to the country’s Secretary for Mining, Luis Lucero. Lucero was speaking during a ‘fireside chat’ at the International Lithium Association’s seminar during Argentina Day at the London Metal Exchange’s LME Week 2025 event on Tuesday, October 14.
He outlined how Argentina’s diverse resource base — from the lithium triangle to Patagonia’s wind and solar potential — gives it a “unique platform to support the world’s shift to clean energy.”
“We will be major producers of lithium – one of the four key elements for the transition – and eventually a very big player in copper,” Lucero said. “We also have outstanding potential in renewable energy, from solar and wind to nuclear power.”
Lucero emphasized that Argentina’s resource strategy extends well beyond lithium. He noted that the country’s vast shale gas reserves position it as a growing LNG exporter. Meanwhile, uranium resources and government-backed small modular reactor projects could support nuclear power development.
“We can play a very important role in many different ways,” he said, pointing to Argentina’s emerging capabilities across multiple energy sources.
Reflecting on Argentina’s political landscape, Lucero highlighted cooperation among provincial and federal governments. Often, these governments are from opposing political parties. This is seen as a sign of growing maturity and shared commitment to development.
“We’re working alongside governments of different political colors and we are building consensus,” he said. “That’s something to be highlighted – we’ve moved beyond political differences to focus on progress.”
He noted that Argentina has organized joint delegations with six provincial governments on international missions to London and Brussels. This has strengthened ties with the UK, EU and US, presenting a unified front to attract investment.
Asked what message he would send to companies not yet active in Argentina, Lucero described the country as extremely attractive. It is one of the most appealing jurisdictions in the world for resource exploration and development.
“Argentina has excellent geology, a tested legal system for mining tenure, a well-educated workforce, and very few community conflicts compared with other regions,” he said. “Permitting times are reasonable and social acceptance of mining is growing.”
He acknowledged that infrastructure remained a challenge. However, Argentina’s strong fundamentals and transparent regulatory framework offered stability for long-term investment.
Lucero ended with a call for renewed international confidence in Argentina’s direction.
“Our country needs investment, and I’m confident we’ve started on a new path,” he said. “We are aware of past mistakes. However, we are committed to becoming one of the freest countries in the world – one that allows business to grow and investors to make decisions without unnecessary intervention.”
He underscored that Argentina was open for business and eager to partner with responsible investors ready to contribute to the global energy transition.
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