Lithium Under Suspicion: Serious Irregularities and USD 2.6 Billion Lost, According to the Latin American Lithium Chamber

The Latin American Lithium Chamber (CALBAMERICA), led by Mr. Pablo Rutigliano, denounced serious irregularities in lithium mining management in northern Argentina on Wednesday, with a focus on Salta Province

Key Points

• Underinvoicing in lithium exports reportedly caused losses of USD 2.6 billion.

• Unauthorized foreign and "ghost" companies allegedly operate in northern Argentina.

• Local workers and SMEs are being excluded despite regional commitments.

CALBAMERICA accused the sector of export underinvoicing, tax evasion, exclusion of local suppliers, unauthorized corporate activity, and even violence against union leaders.

Rutigliano warned that “Argentina does not classify lithium as a commodity, leading to a lack of transparency in its production.” He estimated losses of USD 2.6 billion in the past year due to underinvoicing practices. The absence of traceability and control in lithium commercialization allegedly facilitates tax evasion and directly impacts state revenue.

The Chamber also raised concerns about “ghost companies” and unauthorized foreign firms operating in the region, some accused of manipulating stock market data to artificially inflate the value of certain mining companies’ shares.

Another focal point of the complaint is the systematic exclusion of local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and workers from Andean communities in lithium extraction and commercialization processes. Despite commitments by the governments of Salta, Jujuy, and Catamarca to prioritize local hiring, there is a noted preference for large international corporations, undermining equitable regional development goals.

Violence and Threats Against Union Members

The most alarming incident linked to these issues is the recent attack on Ceferino Rodríguez, a UOCRA union leader in the Puna region, whose home was set on fire in an alleged act of intimidation. Rodríguez is known for advocating labor rights and demanding the inclusion of local workers in lithium mining projects. CALBAMERICA interpreted the attack as an attempt to silence whistleblowers and deter union activism.

In response, CALBAMERICA demanded urgent action from national and provincial authorities, calling for thorough investigations and concrete measures to ensure legality, transparency in lithium production chains, and respect for affected communities’ rights.

“It is time to build a fair development model that truly benefits the regions where resources are extracted, not just the interests of a few,” concluded Rutigliano.