In an exclusive interview with Energy Capital & Power at the Critical Minerals Africa 2024 Forum last week, Vlek stated that Argentina hopes to draw on South Africa’s experience in platinum group metals and copper production to boost its lithium, nickel and cobalt industries.

“We have a rich geological endowment holding 22% of the world’s lithium resources and significant reserves of cobalt, nickel and graphite,” stated Vlek, adding “What we need is investment from South Africa and other African partners to help us develop the technologies needed to process and export these resources globally.”

She said Argentina has 180 projects underway, including 50 focused on lithium, since the country started mining in the 1990s. The country recently opened an $800 million lithium hydroxide facility with a Korean firm, according to Vlek.

“We’re keen to build out the value chain; we don’t want to export raw materials but rather to industrialize, create jobs and drive new developments within Argentina, while offering high returns for our African investors,” reiterated Vlek.