russia Wants to Get Access to Argentina’s Lithium Mining Technology

Argentina’s Ambassador to the rf E. I. F. Vieira has announced the implementation of joint projects for the development of lithium deposits in Argentina by russian companies. Most of the projects are at the initial stage of approving work permits. Given the deterioration of russian-Argentine diplomatic relations, in particular due to President of Argentina Javier Milei’s support for Ukraine, cooperation is only on a private level, without signing state contracts.

Currently, several russian companies operate in the North of Argentina (Jujuy, Salta, Catamarca, and San Juan provinces). The priority area of work is the development of lithium deposits. Lithium is an essential material for the production of lithium-ion batteries used in laptops, mobile phones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy. In russia, it is used to produce glass, ceramics, and lubricants, as well as strike and reconnaissance UAVs.

Together with Bolivia and Chile, Argentina is part of the “lithium triangle”, with about 54 % of the world’s reserves of this metal concentrated in its territory. Today, the country has 61 projects in lithium mining. At this, China is the largest importer of Argentina’s lithium, accounting for 73 % of total exports.

In russia, despite the presence of lithium deposits, lithium has not been mined since 1997. The reasons are cheap imports, lack of government support, and lagging behind in technology. Against the background of Western sanctions and the need to improve the available weapons for use in the russian-Ukrainian war, the rf’s government decided to intensify the development of lithium deposits in Murmansk region (“Polmostundrovskoye” and “Kolmozerskoye”).

According to the Foreign Intelligence Service of Ukraine, the attempt of russian companies to join the development of lithium deposits in Argentina is aimed at getting access to mining technology for further use in the rf.