Argentina Sets Out 10-Year Plan for Lithium Growth

Released in late 2025, Argentina’s 10-year lithium plan adds clarity, scale targets, and ESG focus, accelerating deals and project expansion

15 Jan 2026

Argentina’s lithium sector is entering a more structured phase after the federal government released a 10-year roadmap late in 2025 aimed at guiding growth and reducing regulatory uncertainty.

Set out by national mining and energy authorities, the plan seeks to co-ordinate permitting, environmental standards and infrastructure planning while reaffirming that provinces retain control over mining approvals. Officials say the objective is to raise output steadily over the next decade, with government projections pointing to a possible doubling of national production capacity by the early 2030s if priority projects proceed as planned.

For producers and investors, the roadmap offers a clearer sense of direction in a country where development timelines have often been shaped by fragmented rules and shifting priorities. Although provinces will continue to make final permitting decisions, the federal framework encourages companies to advance projects with complete environmental studies and community engagement in place, rather than relying on rapid expansion.

The timing reflects global conditions. Demand for lithium remains closely tied to electric vehicles, grid storage and efforts by governments and manufacturers to secure resilient supply chains. By signalling a more predictable policy stance, Argentina is positioning itself as a long-term supplier rather than a higher-risk source of raw materials.

Industry structure is also changing. The creation of Arcadium Lithium through the 2024 merger of Allkem and Livent, which predates the roadmap, highlights a broader push towards consolidation. Larger producers are better placed to finance projects, manage operations across provinces and secure long-term supply contracts, which increasingly depend on environmental, social and governance standards as well as delivery reliability.

Officials describe the roadmap as an attempt to prioritise durability over short-term gains, arguing that a more stable framework will help the industry withstand price swings and reduce operational disruptions.

Challenges remain, including Argentina’s broader macroeconomic volatility and gaps in transport and energy infrastructure. Even so, the policy shift marks a change in tone. Lithium is now framed as a strategic industry with a long development horizon, and if the new framework delivers smoother approvals, investment and project expansion could accelerate in the years ahead.