La Derecha Diario The Government Seeks Mining Investments for Rigi at the Pdac Fair in Canada
The reduction of the tax burden is a factor that the government hopes will generate confidence among investors.
The Argentine government is betting on mining as a key driver to attract foreign investments. In this context, Javier Milei's administration will participate in the PDAC fair (Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada), the world's most relevant mining event, which will be held in Toronto from March 2 to 5.
The Argentine delegation at PDAC 2025
The Argentine delegation will be led by the Secretary General of the Presidency, Karina Milei, and the Secretary of Mining of the Nation, Luis Lucero, who will seek to renew a bilateral memorandum with Canada.
The team will include governors from mining provinces such as:
- Carlos Sadir (Jujuy)
- Marcelo Orrego (San Juan)
- Ricardo Quintela (La Rioja)
- Alfredo Cornejo (Mendoza)
The Vice Governor of Catamarca, Rubén Dusso, and representatives from Santa Cruz and Río Negro will also travel. Additionally, the Secretary of Finance, Pablo Quirno, will be part of the delegation.
The main objective of the delegation will be to present investment opportunities in the Argentine mining sector, highlighting resources such as lithium, copper, and gold. Among the main incentives to attract capital are:
- The approval of the Large Investments Incentive Regime (RIGI).
- The reduction of bureaucratic hurdles and tax incentives.
- Greater regulatory stability for investors.
Current situation of mining in Argentina
A report from the Secretariat of Mining indicates that currently there are 311 projects in different stages of development:
- 24 in production.
- 8 in construction.
- 10 in feasibility.
- 8 in pre-feasibility.
- 11 in economic evaluation.
- 68 in advanced exploration.
- 128 in initial exploration.
- 55 in prospecting.
Regarding exports, in 2024 the third-best historical mark was reached with a turnover of USD 4.647 billion. It is estimated that by 2033 this figure will rise to USD 19 billion and that by 2035 the demand for lithium will multiply by eight.
Regulatory flexibility and access to foreign currency
One of the key messages the government will convey at PDAC is the flexibility of regulations that previously limited the development of large projects. The RIGI is a key tool to provide predictability and stability to companies in the sector.
Meanwhile, the government will try to dispel doubts about access to foreign currency, a crucial issue for foreign companies. Although exchange restrictions have not yet been eliminated, it is expected that commitments to advance in the liberalization of the foreign exchange market, allowing the repatriation of profits, will be reinforced at the fair.
Infrastructure and financing for the mining sector
Another central axis of the government's strategy is investment in infrastructure. The lack of connectivity and logistical deficiencies have been historical obstacles to the sector's growth. Therefore, investment plans in road and energy works under public-private partnership schemes will be presented.
Meanwhile, the presence of international banks and investment funds at PDAC will be key for the search for financing. The flexibility of regulations and the reduction of the tax burden are factors that the government hopes will generate confidence among investors.
The appeal of lithium and copper
While Argentine mining encompasses various minerals, lithium and copper will be the protagonists at PDAC. Argentina is part of the "lithium triangle" along with Bolivia and Chile, with projects in Jujuy, Salta, and Catamarca. The growing global demand for this mineral makes it a strategic resource to attract investments.
Regarding copper, the country has large-scale projects such as:
- Josemaría (San Juan).
- Taca Taca (Salta).
- Los Azules (San Juan).
Given its relevance in electrification and global infrastructure, the government will try to position Argentina as a reliable destination for its exploitation.
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