Salta has launched its first on-site customs facility for a lithium operation at Ganfeng’s General Güemes processing plant. The system allows lithium chloride to be consolidated, inspected and cleared for export directly at the facility. Following a 240-tonne pilot shipment, the model could help improve the efficiency, traceability and scalability of Salta’s lithium export chain.

Brazil’s new critical minerals law strengthens state oversight of strategic mineral assets while keeping the sector open to foreign investment. The policy prioritises local processing, value creation and supply-chain security, with CIMCE gaining powers to review key transactions. Its impact on investment will depend on how transparently and predictably these new powers are implemented.

Argentina’s mining exports rose 74.4% to US$4.742 billion in early 2026, led by gold, silver and rapidly expanding lithium production. The next challenge is to turn this growth into an integrated Andean mining platform through better infrastructure, Pacific access and cross-border cooperation.