China Dominates Mining Exports from Argentina's NOA Region in 2024

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.