The electric age runs on lithium.

We bring it from the salars of northern Argentina to the world.

40%+

of the world's known lithium resources lie in the Lithium Triangle

≈28 Mt

Argentina holds one of the world’s largest lithium resource bases (USGS 2026)

20+

electric cars can run on the lithium in one tonne of lithium carbonate

Sources: USGS Mineral Commodity Summaries 2026; Adamas Intelligence.

Buenos Aires and Salta, Argentina

Lithium and minerals from northern Argentina.

Aritarium Minerals is an Argentine trading company. We buy lithium carbonate and a short list of other Argentine minerals from producers and sell them to industrial buyers abroad, under written contracts and independent inspection.

Sourcing
Lithium: Salta, Jujuy and Catamarca
Main product
Lithium carbonate
Offices
Buenos Aires and Salta
Services

What we do

Lithium carbonate is our main product. We also trade borates, precious-metal doré, base-metal concentrates, aluminium and industrial minerals that Argentina already exports on a regular basis.

01

Trading and offtake

Spot sales and 6- to 12-month supply contracts between Argentine producers and foreign buyers.

02

Export and logistics

Argentine export customs, trucking to Argentine or Chilean ports, and ocean freight to the buyer's port.

03

Investment

We introduce investors to Argentine lithium projects and help structure their participation.

04

Compliance support

KYC, sanctions screening and export documentation for foreign buyers purchasing from Argentina.

Production

Argentine lithium comes from brine.

Most producers pump brine from the salt flats of the Puna, concentrate it in evaporation ponds and refine it into lithium carbonate; newer plants use direct extraction. Almost all of Argentina's output comes from Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca.

Supply

Why buy from Argentina

1

Growing supply

Argentine lithium output and exports have risen sharply in 2026 as new plants ramp up.

2

A short product list

We only offer Argentine products we can check at the producer, and lithium carbonate comes first.

3

Screened counterparties

Every buyer and seller is checked against KYC, AML and sanctions lists, including OFAC, before a contract is signed.

Landscape near Salta, northern Argentina
Salta
From space

Ten years of Argentine lithium, seen from space

Salar de Olaroz–Cauchari, Jujuy. The blue and green shapes are lithium evaporation ponds. In 2016 there was one field of ponds. Today there are two, and the first has grown several times over.

Sentinel-2 satellite images, one per year, 2016–2026. The frame is about 22 km across. Contains modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

Operations

Our operations office is in Salta.

Salta sits between the salt flats of the Puna and the roads to Argentine and Chilean ports. From there we visit producers, take samples and attend loading in person.

Photos

Northern Argentina

Products

Specifications and terms

For each product: specification, minimum order, contract type, container load and pricing basis.

Argentina's lithium is refined from salar brine. Carbonate is the main merchant export; lithium chloride is produced mainly for integrated chains, with occasional merchant lots. This is our core line.

Battery-grade lithium carbonate

Li₂CO₃
12-month term
≥ 99.5%Li₂CO₃, dry basis
Specification
  • Na≤ 0.025%
  • K≤ 0.001%
  • Ca≤ 0.005%
  • Mg≤ 0.008%
  • Fe≤ 0.001%
  • SO₄≤ 0.08%
  • Cl≤ 0.003%
  • Si≤ 0.003%
  • Ni · Al≤ 0.001% each
  • Cu · Zn · Mn · Pb≤ 0.0003% each
  • Magnetic impurities≤ 3 ppm
  • Moisture (H₂O)≤ 0.25%
  • Particle size D503–8 µm (micronised on request)
  • Reference standardBuyer specification (YS/T 582-2023 grades on request)
  • HS code2836.91
  • End useLFP and mid-nickel NCM cathode synthesis, LiPF₆ electrolyte salt
Commercial terms
  • Minimum250 t per year (≈ one 20′ per month)
  • Contract12-month term only, after qualification by the buyer (samples, CoA review and plant audit; typically 6–12 months)
  • Packing & load1 t jumbo bags with PE liner · 20 t net per 20′ container
  • PricingIndex-linked (SMM / Fastmarkets, CIF CJK) with agreed differential
  • PaymentIrrevocable confirmed L/C at sight
  • DeliveryFOB Buenos Aires or Chilean Pacific ports · CIF destination
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Technical-grade lithium carbonate

Li₂CO₃
6-month term
≥ 99.0%Li₂CO₃, dry basis
Specification
  • Na≤ 0.10%
  • Ca≤ 0.035%
  • Mg≤ 0.010%
  • Fe≤ 0.003%
  • SO₄≤ 0.20%
  • Cl≤ 0.010%
  • Moisture (H₂O)≤ 0.3%
  • Particle size D5010–30 µm
  • Reference standardMeets or exceeds GB/T 11075-2013 grade Li₂CO₃-1, or buyer specification
  • HS code2836.91
  • End useGlass and glass-ceramics, ceramic glazes and frits, continuous-casting mould powders, construction chemicals
Commercial terms
  • Minimum100 t per contract · trial lot 20 t (one 20′)
  • Contract6-month term, or single trial lot
  • Packing & load1 t jumbo bags · 20 t net per 20′
  • PricingIndex-linked or fixed per lot
  • PaymentL/C at sight or CAD
  • DeliveryFOB Buenos Aires or Chilean ports · CIF destination
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Lithium chloride, anhydrous

LiCl
Spot lots
≥ 99.0%LiCl, dry basis · industrial grade
Specification
  • Na≤ 0.10%
  • Ca + Mg≤ 0.02%
  • SO₄≤ 0.02%
  • Water-insoluble matter≤ 0.05%
  • Moisture (H₂O)≤ 0.5%
  • HandlingStrongly hygroscopic, sealed packing required
  • HS code2827.39
  • End useDehumidification and absorption systems, brazing and welding fluxes, specialty chemicals. Metal-grade material (for electrolysis) is quoted separately on request
Commercial terms
  • Minimum16 t (one 20′, palletised)
  • ContractOccasional merchant lots only, subject to producer availability
  • Packing & load25 kg moisture-barrier bags in sealed drums or lined 500 kg bags · 16–18 t net per 20′
  • PricingFixed per lot
  • PaymentL/C at sight
  • DeliveryFCA plant or FOB port
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

The Puna of Salta and Jujuy holds some of the world's largest borate reserves. Refined and natural borates ship by road to Brazil and Chile and by sea worldwide.

Boric acid

H₃BO₃
Term and forward
≥ 99.5%H₃BO₃ (B₂O₃ ≥ 56.0%)
Specification
  • SO₄≤ 0.10%
  • Cl≤ 0.01%
  • Fe≤ 20 ppm
  • Moisture (free)≤ 0.5%
  • FormsGranular or powder
  • HS code2810.00
  • End useTextile and reinforcement (E-glass) fibreglass, borosilicate glass, ceramics and enamels, boron micronutrient fertilisers, flame retardants
Commercial terms
  • MinimumSpot from one 20′ · term from 100 t per month
  • ContractSpot, 6–12-month term, or multi-year forward offtake (≥ 5,000 t/yr, scheduled against producer capacity)
  • Packing & load25 kg PE-lined bags, palletised, or 1 t jumbo bags · 22–24 t net per 20′
  • PricingNegotiated fixed price per period
  • PaymentL/C at sight or CAD
  • DeliveryTruck to Brazil and Chile · FOB Chilean or Argentine ports
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Borax, decahydrate & pentahydrate

Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O / Na₂B₄O₇·5H₂O
6-month term
≥ 99.5%sodium tetraborate
Specification
  • B₂O₃ · decahydrate≥ 36.0%
  • B₂O₃ · pentahydrate≥ 47.5%
  • SO₄≤ 0.10%
  • Cl≤ 0.05%
  • Fe≤ 20 ppm
  • FormsGranular
  • HS code2840.19
  • End useInsulation glass wool, enamel frits, metallurgical fluxes, starch adhesives, micronutrient fertilisers
Commercial terms
  • Minimum200 t per contract
  • Contract6-month term
  • Packing & load25 kg bags or 1 t jumbo bags · 24 t net per 20′
  • PricingFixed per period
  • PaymentL/C at sight or CAD
  • DeliveryTruck to neighbouring countries · FOB Argentine or Chilean port
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Ulexite & hydroboracite

Natural borate minerals
12-month term
30–45%B₂O₃, mineral-dependent
Specification
  • Ulexite, B₂O₃30–40% (dried, ground)
  • Hydroboracite, B₂O₃38–45%
  • Moisture≤ 8%
  • Grading0–3 mm · milled −100 mesh on request
  • HS code2528.00
  • End useBoron fertilisers, ceramics and glass, feedstock for boric acid
Commercial terms
  • Minimum1,000 t per year · bulk vessel lots from 5,000 t
  • Contract12-month bulk supply
  • Packing & loadBulk or 1–1.5 t big-bags · 25–26 t net per 20′ (weight-limited) · 28–30 t per truck
  • PricingFixed per contract, priced on B₂O₃ content
  • PaymentL/C or CAD
  • DeliveryTruck to Brazil and Chile · FOB Chilean ports
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Gold is Argentina's largest mineral export, and silver its third. Doré is shipped only from licensed producers to LBMA-accredited refineries, under full due diligence.

Gold doré

Au · Ag
Producer offtake
≥ 90%Au + Ag combined · ratio mine-dependent
Specification
  • FormDoré bars, typically 10–25 kg
  • AssayFire assay at origin, final assay at refinery
  • RefiningLBMA Good Delivery refiners only
  • Due diligenceOECD Due Diligence Guidance · documented chain of custody from mine to refinery
  • HS code7108.12
Commercial terms
  • MinimumMonthly shipments under a producer offtake agreement
  • Contract12-month mine-to-refinery offtake
  • LogisticsInsured air freight by specialist secure carrier
  • PricingLBMA price; payables and refining charges per refinery agreement
  • SettlementOn refinery outturn assay
  • SourcesLicensed, industrial producers only

We do not handle artisanal, undocumented or third-party-aggregated material.

Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Silver doré

Ag · Au
Producer offtake
≥ 85%Ag · gold credited by assay
Specification
  • FormDoré bars, typically 25–35 kg
  • AssayFire assay at origin, final assay at refinery
  • RefiningLBMA Good Delivery refiners only
  • Due diligenceOECD Due Diligence Guidance · chain of custody
  • HS code7106.91
  • End useRefined for solar PV, electronics and investment
Commercial terms
  • MinimumMonthly shipments under a producer offtake agreement
  • Contract12-month mine-to-refinery offtake
  • LogisticsInsured air or secure sea freight
  • PricingLBMA price; payables and refining charges per refinery agreement
  • SettlementOn refinery outturn assay
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Lead, silver and zinc concentrates from the polymetallic mines of the Jujuy Puna, sold to international smelters on standard concentrate terms.

Lead–silver concentrate

Pb · Ag
Parcel contracts
45–65%Pb, with payable silver
Specification
  • Ag1,000–6,000 g/t (mine-dependent)
  • Zn≤ 8%
  • Moisture6–9%
  • Penalty elementsAs, Sb, Bi, Hg, Cd reported per assay
  • HS code2607.00 · 2616.10 (silver-rich)
  • End useLead and silver smelter feed
Commercial terms
  • Minimum500 wmt per parcel
  • ContractPer-parcel sale contracts
  • Packing & loadBulk in lined 20′ containers · 22–25 wmt per box (weight-limited)
  • PricingPb payable at LME and Ag at LBMA prices, less TC/RC and penalties
  • PaymentProvisional payment of 90% against documents; final settlement on outturn
  • InspectionWeighing, sampling and moisture determination at loading; umpire assay if results differ beyond the splitting limit
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Zinc concentrate

Zn
Parcel contracts
45–55%Zn
Specification
  • Fe≤ 10%
  • Pb≤ 3%
  • Ag100–500 g/t (payable above threshold)
  • SiO₂≤ 4%
  • Moisture7–10%
  • Penalty elementsCd, Hg, As, Mn reported per assay
  • HS code2608.00
Commercial terms
  • Minimum500 wmt per parcel
  • ContractPer-parcel sale contracts
  • Packing & loadBulk in lined 20′ containers · 22–25 wmt per box
  • PricingZn payable at LME price, less TC and penalties
  • PaymentProvisional payment of 90% against documents; final settlement on outturn
  • InspectionIndependent sampling and assay at loading
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Primary aluminium from Patagonia, lime from San Juan and bentonite from northern Patagonia and Cuyo: established Argentine exports with regular regional and overseas flows.

Primary aluminium

Al · P1020A
12-month term
≥ 99.70%Al, LME P1020A
Specification
  • Si≤ 0.10%
  • Fe≤ 0.20%
  • Zn≤ 0.03%
  • Ga≤ 0.04%
  • V≤ 0.03%
  • Other, each≤ 0.03%
  • FormIngots ~22 kg in strapped ~1 t bundles · extrusion billets (6063 / 6061) on request
  • OriginPatagonian smelter with its own hydro and wind generation
  • HS code7601.10 · 7601.20
Commercial terms
  • Minimum500 t per month
  • Contract12-month term (6-month considered), subject to producer allocation
  • Packing & load25–26 t net per 20′ (weight-limited)
  • PricingLME cash settlement plus regional premium
  • PaymentL/C at sight or CAD
  • DeliveryFOB Patagonian port · CIF destination
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Quicklime & hydrated lime

CaO · Ca(OH)₂
12-month term
≥ 90%total CaO (quicklime)
Specification
  • Available CaO≥ 85%
  • MgO≤ 2.5%
  • SiO₂≤ 1.5%
  • CO₂ (LOI)≤ 3%
  • Reactivityt60 ≤ 4 min (EN 459-2)
  • Hydrated limeCa(OH)₂ ≥ 90%, powder
  • Grading0–6 mm · 6–40 mm · pulverised
  • OriginSan Juan (Cuyo) producers
  • HS code2522.10 · 2522.20
  • End useCopper and gold processing, lithium brine purification (magnesium and sulphate removal), water treatment, steel
Commercial terms
  • Minimum5,000 t per year
  • Contract12-month supply with monthly call-offs
  • Packing & loadPneumatic bulk tanker ~28 t · 1 t big-bags · 24–25 t net per 20′
  • PricingFixed per contract, delivered
  • PaymentL/C or open account against guarantee
  • DeliveryBy road across the Andes to Chile · Argentine Puna operations
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Sodium bentonite

Sodium montmorillonite
6-month term
≥ 80%montmorillonite
Specification
  • Swell index≥ 24 mL / 2 g (industrial grades)
  • Moisture≤ 12% · ≤ 10% for drilling grade
  • GradesDrilling (tested to API 13A) · foundry · iron-ore pelletising · pet litter
  • GradingPowder 200 mesh · granular 1–4 mm
  • OriginNorthern Patagonia and Cuyo
  • HS code2508.10
Commercial terms
  • Minimum250 t per contract
  • Contract6-month term
  • Packing & load25 kg bags or 1 t big-bags · 24–25 t net per 20′
  • PricingFixed per grade
  • PaymentL/C or CAD
  • DeliveryTruck to Brazil and Chile · FOB Argentine ports
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Inbound: lithium plants consume far more reagent than they produce in product. We source key reagents internationally and deliver them to operations in the Puna.

Soda ash, dense

Na₂CO₃
Inbound to Argentina
≥ 99.2%Na₂CO₃
Specification
  • NaCl≤ 0.5%
  • Fe≤ 0.004%
  • SO₄≤ 0.05%
  • Water-insoluble matter≤ 0.03%
  • Bulk density≥ 0.95 g/cm³
  • OriginNatural (trona-based) producers, sourced internationally
  • HS code2836.20
  • Why it mattersAbout 2 t consumed per t of Li₂CO₃ produced; local capacity is limited
Commercial terms
  • Minimum2,000 t per year
  • Contract12-month supply, scheduled deliveries
  • Packing & load1 t jumbo bags · 25 t net per 20′
  • PricingFixed per contract, delivered to plant
  • DeliveryDAP plant in the Puna, via Pacific or Atlantic ports
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)

Sulphur, granulated

S
Inbound to Argentina
≥ 99.5%S, dry basis
Specification
  • Ash≤ 0.05%
  • Acidity (as H₂SO₄)≤ 0.02%
  • Carbon≤ 0.10%
  • Moisture≤ 0.5%
  • FormGranulated or prilled
  • HS code2503.00
  • End useSulphuric-acid plants serving boric-acid, lithium and metal operations
Commercial terms
  • MinimumBulk vessel lots from 5,000 t · big-bags from 100 t
  • ContractPer lot or 12-month supply
  • Packing & loadBulk vessel · 1 t big-bags, 25 t net per 20′
  • PricingLinked to Middle East / international sulphur benchmarks
  • DeliveryCFR port, or DAP plant in the Puna
Spec sheet (PDF, EN/ES)
Summary table
ProductContractMinimumLoadPricing basis
Battery-grade lithium carbonate12-month term250 t per year (≈ one 20′ per month)20 t net per 20′ containerIndex-linked (SMM / Fastmarkets, CIF CJK)
Technical-grade lithium carbonate6-month term100 t per contract · trial lot 20 t (one 20′)20 t net per 20′Index-linked or fixed per lot
Lithium chloride, anhydrousSpot lots16 t (one 20′, palletised)16–18 t net per 20′Fixed per lot
Boric acidTerm and forwardSpot from one 20′ · term from 100 t per month22–24 t net per 20′Negotiated fixed price per period
Borax, decahydrate & pentahydrate6-month term200 t per contract24 t net per 20′Fixed per period
Ulexite & hydroboracite12-month term1,000 t per year · bulk vessel lots from 5,000 t25–26 t net per 20′ (weight-limited)Fixed per contract, priced on B₂O₃ content
Gold doréProducer offtakeMonthly shipments under a producer offtake agreementInsured air freight by specialist secure carrierLBMA price
Silver doréProducer offtakeMonthly shipments under a producer offtake agreementInsured air or secure sea freightLBMA price
Lead–silver concentrateParcel contracts500 wmt per parcelBulk in lined 20′ containersPb payable at LME and Ag at LBMA prices
Zinc concentrateParcel contracts500 wmt per parcelBulk in lined 20′ containersZn payable at LME price
Primary aluminium12-month term500 t per month25–26 t net per 20′ (weight-limited)LME cash settlement plus regional premium
Quicklime & hydrated lime12-month term5,000 t per year24–25 t net per 20′Fixed per contract, delivered
Sodium bentonite6-month term250 t per contract24–25 t net per 20′Fixed per grade
Soda ash, denseInbound to Argentina2,000 t per year25 t net per 20′Fixed per contract, delivered to plant
Sulphur, granulatedInbound to ArgentinaBulk vessel lots from 5,000 t · big-bags from 100 t1 t big-bags, 25 t net per 20′Linked to Middle East / international sulphur benchmarks
Contract types

Spot

Single lots, from one container.

6-month

Fixed volume, monthly or bi-monthly shipments.

12-month

Qualified supply for industrial consumers.

Forward

Multi-year offtake scheduled against producer capacity.

Producer offtake

Mine-to-refinery or mine-to-smelter, contracted directly with the producer, under due diligence.

All specifications, volumes and terms are indicative, based on typical Argentine export product, and do not constitute an offer. Final quality is set by certificate of analysis and independent inspection. Every transaction is subject to KYC, sanctions screening and a signed contract. Container weights assume standard 20′ dry boxes; road weight limits at origin and destination apply.

Logistics

Where products come from and how they ship

Production areas, our offices and the main export routes from northern Argentina.

ARGENTINACHILEBOLIVIAPARAGUAYPacific OceanOlaroz · CauchariRincónHombre MuertoSijes (borates)AguilarPirquitasSan Juan (lime)SaltaBuenos AiresAntofagastaMejillonesTo Brazil
  • Lithium brine operations
  • Borates
  • Lead, silver and zinc mines
  • Lime
  • Our offices
  • Pacific export ports
  • Route to Pacific ports via Paso de Jama
  • Road routes to Buenos Aires, Brazil and Chile

Routes are indicative; the port and route are fixed per contract. Not marked on this map: primary aluminium at Puerto Madryn (Chubut), and the gold and silver mines of San Juan, Santa Cruz and the Puna.

Traceability

Origin and ownership file

Buyers in Korea, Japan, the United States and the European Union increasingly have to show where their lithium comes from and who controls the producer. For every lithium lot we deliver a document file for the buyer's own compliance review.

Producer

Legal name, tax ID (CUIT) and plant location.

Origin

Salar or mine, province, and certificate of origin.

Ownership

The producer's shareholding chain up to its ultimate owners, from company filings and a signed producer declaration.

Quality

Producer's certificate of analysis and independent inspection at loading.

Export

Export customs declaration, bill of lading, weight and packing lists.

Environment

Reference to the producer's environmental permit and, where the producer measures it, carbon-footprint data per tonne.

The file supports the buyer's own assessment under US prohibited-foreign-entity rules and the EU Battery Regulation 2023/1542. We supply documents; we do not certify compliance on the buyer's behalf.

Signed lot recordsEvery lot record is signed by Aritarium and issued in the buyer's name. Buyers can check it, and each document, on this site.Verify a lot record →
Compliance

Policies

Summaries of the policies that apply to every transaction. Read the full texts.

Sanctions and export controls

Every counterparty, beneficial owner, vessel and destination is screened against the UN, US (OFAC), EU, UK and Argentine (RePET) lists before contract and again before shipment. Contracts include end-use and anti-diversion clauses.

KYC and anti-money laundering

Counterparties provide company registration, beneficial-ownership and bank details before any contract. Payments are made only to and from accounts in the contracting party's own name. We follow a risk-based approach in line with FATF recommendations and Argentine Law 25.246.

Responsible sourcing

We buy only from licensed producers and follow the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for Responsible Supply Chains of Minerals, including its Annex II model supply-chain policy and, for gold, the Supplement on Gold. We do not buy artisanal or undocumented material.

Battery due diligence

For lithium destined for batteries sold in the EU, our documentation follows the due-diligence obligations of Regulation (EU) 2023/1542, which apply from 18 August 2027.

Integrity programme

We keep an integrity programme under Argentine Law 27.401 on corporate criminal liability: a code of conduct, a ban on payments to public officials, and due diligence on agents and intermediaries.

Reporting concerns

Concerns about conduct or compliance can be reported in confidence to info@aritarium.com with the subject “Compliance”. Reports are reviewed by management and are not shared with the parties concerned.

Commitments

How we work with clients

Verified product

We do not offer material we have not seen at the producer, with its certificate of analysis.

Named parties

Each contract names the producer, the specification and the inspection company.

Repeat supply

We prefer supply contracts with fixed delivery schedules over one-off lots.

Process

Steps of a transaction

Every transaction follows the same six steps.

01

NDA

Mutual confidentiality before any commercial or technical data is shared.

02

Enquiry and LOI

Buyer's enquiry and letter of intent: product, grade, volume, delivery window and destination.

03

KYC and compliance

Both sides screened for anti-money laundering and international sanctions, including OFAC.

04

Contract

SPA with agreed specification, Incoterms and payment terms (typically a confirmed documentary L/C).

05

Inspection

Independent assay and quality and quantity check at loading (SGS or equivalent).

06

Shipment and documents

Shipment to the buyer's port with full export documents: CoA, bill of lading, certificate of origin and inspection certificates.

No contract is signed before KYC, AML and sanctions screening is complete on both sides.

Offices

Buenos Aires and Salta

Headquarters

Buenos Aires

Contracts, finance and international sales.

American Express Building, Maipú 1210, C1006 CABA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
+54 11 2533 3655
info@aritarium.com
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Operations

Salta

Producer visits, sampling and cargo inspection in the Puna.

Send an enquiry

Tell us the product, quantity and destination. We reply within two business days.

The button opens your email program with the enquiry filled in, addressed to info@aritarium.com.

+54 11 2533 3655
info@aritarium.com
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