The provinces of Northwestern Argentina (NOA), comprising Catamarca, Jujuy, and Salta, continue to solidify their position as a strategic hub for national mining, with mining exports in November 2024 reaching US$146 million. This performance marked a year-on-year growth of 31.4%, driven primarily by an increase in lithium export volumes, one of the region's most prominent resources.
By Panorama Minero
During the first 11 months of 2024, mining exports from the NOA totaled US$1.197 billion, reflecting a year-on-year decline of 5.4% compared to the same period in 2023, when exports reached US$1.264 billion. This decrease highlights a contraction in certain markets and adjustments in mining’s share of the total exports from these provinces.
The Mining Sector’s Prominence
In November, mining accounted for 75.9% of the total exports from Catamarca, Jujuy, and Salta, a significant increase compared to the 59.2% recorded in the same month of 2023. However, in the year-to-date figures through November, mining contributed 63.6% of the total exports from these provinces, slightly below the 64.8% recorded in 2023.
Lithium continues to lead the NOA’s mining exports, accounting for 45.8% of international shipments in November. Together with metal mining, which mainly includes gold and silver (46.8%), these activities made up 92.5% of the total mining exports for the month. Specifically, gold contributed 26.1%, and silver 20.7%, reaffirming the importance of these minerals in the region’s foreign trade.
Key International Markets
China was the main destination for mining exports from the NOA in 2024, capturing 44.9% of the total exports during the first 11 months of the year. The United States (22.8%), Belgium (8.8%), and South Korea (7.6%) also ranked among the top buyers, showcasing the international competitiveness of the region’s mining products.
Despite a slight annual contraction, the sector's performance highlights the resilience and growth potential of the NOA’s mining industry. With lithium gaining increasing prominence and a diversification of international markets, the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, and Salta are positioning themselves as key players in supplying critical minerals for the energy transition.
