Lithium in Argentina and Chile – Two Market Models and their Significance for Mining Suppliers

Argentina and Chile are among the world’s leading lithium producers, but differ in terms of their market and project structures. Argentina has larger lithium resources, whilst Chile is significantly ahead in terms of recoverable reserves and annual production. In both countries, lithium production is concentrated in the High Andes region along their shared border, with Chile’s focus being on the Salar de Atacama (Figure 1). This article compares the institutional frameworks and project structures of the two countries. It also examines the resulting technical requirements and procurement channels for mining suppliers.