Argentina Pursues Bioceanic Corridor for Lithium Export

Argentina is prioritizing the Capricorn Bioceanic Corridor to facilitate the export of lithium and other critical minerals. Officials in the northern provinces of Salta and Jujuy are working to develop infrastructure connecting Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Paraguay—a network spanning roughly 3,900 kilometers. Governor Gustavo Sáenz of Salta seeks $100 million in international funding to pave a 91-kilometer stretch of Route 51, a key segment between Campo Amarillo and the Sico Pass.

Meanwhile, Jujuy province focuses on digitalization and streamlining border crossings at the Jama and Sico points, proposing scanning systems and simplified documentation. These efforts aim to reduce transit times and costs for international trade. However, securing financing for all project stages remains a challenge, and existing infrastructure is vulnerable to weather damage.

The corridor represents an opportunity for Argentina’s historically isolated north to integrate into global economic circuits, though completing the paving of Route 51 is still required. Work on the corridor continues as global demand for critical minerals grows.