Andes Revelation: 13 Million Tons Of Copper Signals Argentina’s Unexpected Mining Revolution

Argentina’s mining industry is seeing a major boom as copper discoveries and policy reforms drive record investment. A recent find in the Andes revealed over 13 million tons of copper reserves, greatly expanding the country’s mining potential. This discovery comes as global mining giants increase their presence in Argentina’s copper sector.

BHP and Lundin Mining paid $3.25 billion to acquire Filo Corp, which controls major copper deposits along the Andes. Glencore also made big moves by taking full ownership of the $3 billion MARA copper-gold project. Other large projects like Taca Taca and Josemaría are moving forward quickly.

The global push for electric vehicles and green energy is driving copper demand. Argentina is positioning itself as a key supplier for this energy shift. Major mining companies have invested billions in Argentina during 2024-2025, including BHP, Glencore, and Rio Tinto.

Mining exports reached $782 million in just the first two months of 2025, a 44.7% increase from last year. Gold remains the country’s dominant mineral export, accounting for $208 million in February alone. The mining sector now makes up 7.2% of the country’s exports so far this year. Experts predict annual mineral export revenues will jump from $4 billion to $13 billion by the end of 2025 – a 225% increase.

Argentina isn’t just focusing on copper. The country produced 7,200 tonnes of lithium carbonate in the first quarter of 2025 for global battery markets. Rio Tinto invested $2.5 billion to expand its Rincon lithium operation in Argentina. Despite some planned maintenance affecting production, operations have quickly returned to above 85% capacity in April 2025.

Argentina’s lithium production surges forward, supplying crucial battery materials as Rio Tinto pours billions into expanding local operations.

Recent economic reforms have created an investor-friendly environment with streamlined permitting and clearer taxation rules. These changes have improved Argentina’s ranking as a mining investment destination.

Junior mining companies are now seen as potential takeover targets for larger firms, which has increased exploration activity across the country. With 11 large-scale mining and energy projects underway, Argentina’s evolution into a major global mining hub appears well underway.