Argentina and the United States signed a Framework Instrument for Strengthening the Supply of Critical Minerals Mining and Processing during the Ministerial Meeting on Critical Minerals held in Washington, D.C., on February 4, 2026. The agreement reaffirms the strategic partnership between the two countries and their commitment to "developing a secure, resilient and competitive supply".
By Panorama Minero
The signing took place during the meeting convened by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the instrument aims to consolidate more robust and diversified value chains, create favorable conditions for long-term productive investment and address growing global demand, as well as the deployment of advanced technologies.
From Argentina’s perspective, the agreement forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s positioning in the critical minerals segment. In 2025, mining exports reached a record US$6.037 billion, representing year-on-year growth of nearly 30%. According to the official statement, this performance positions mining, particularly lithium and copper, as a key sector for export growth, foreign currency generation and the creation of skilled employment, with positive spillover effects on regional economies.
Projections and strategic role of the sector
The official release highlights that, within a context of macroeconomic stability and predictable investment rules, mining is consolidating, alongside energy and agribusiness, as one of the pillars of the country’s ongoing economic transformation process.
Total exports are projected to reach around US$100 billion over the next seven years, with mining expected to account for a growing share. In that timeframe, the sector could exceed US$20 billion, with the potential to surpass US$30 billion toward the end of the next decade.
The bilateral agreement comes amid a global environment in which critical minerals have gained strategic relevance for the energy transition, supply security and technological development, reinforcing international cooperation frameworks in this field.
