Mining Machinery and Equipment
Market Overview
The mining industry in Argentina continues to expand following a sustained upward trend. Nevertheless, there are a significant number of mining projects throughout Argentina that have not reached their full stage of development. While we still experience the effects of the regulatory changes in general investment legislation and in specific mining-sector legislation in the early nineties that favored a significant increase in foreign investment in the industry, the sector’s growth is propelled by local demand for mining machinery and equipment. Most of the 130+ companies with operations in Argentina reduced their activity level significantly during the recent world crisis in order to preserve their assets. Most of the market players are junior companies; however, sector dynamics and industry experts argue that investments will continue to evolve in favor of foreign suppliers in the marketplace.
The mining landscape in Argentina encompasses major players such as Rio Tinto, Barrick, BHP Billiton, Xstrata, Anglogold and Teck; intermediate companies like Silver Standard, Pan American Silver, Coeur D’Alene, and junior companies like Minera Andes, Exeter, TNR Solitario, Mansfield and Minera Hochschild, among others. Canadian companies hold the largest share of current investment at approximately 40 percent of the total market. Argentine state owned companies account for approximately 20 percent, followed by the United States and Australia. Countries such as Switzerland and South Africa also have a growing presence, and China, Brazil, Peru and Japan have begun to increase their participation, as well.
Several new mines are expected to begin construction in the next five to ten years, which presents future business opportunities for U.S. suppliers of mining equipment and machinery, and existing mines currently in operation also represent significant potential for the provision of machinery, equipment and parts.
Sub-Sector Best Prospects
- Mining Industry Equipment
- Mine Safety Equipment
- Minerals Handling Equipment
- Mining Equipment: Open Pit
- Mining Equipment: Underground
- Mining Technologies
Opportunities
Demand for imported goods is evenly distributed between large digging, leveling, scraping, excavating, quarrying and earth moving equipment (HS 8430), and equipment for sorting, screening, separating, washing, crushing, and grinding (HS 8474). This includes healthy volumes of parts and tools (HS 8431 and 8207). Furthermore, high tech equipment, such as GPS, radars, and wi-fi data transmission systems are also in demand. U.S. suppliers continue to dominate the market; however, Brazilian, Asian, and Canadian competitors are expanding steadily.
Key Figures
(In US$ thousands) |
2010 |
2011 |
2012est |
2013est |
Total Market Size |
1,055 |
1,065 |
1,075 |
1,220 |
Total Local Production |
170 |
172 |
174 |
175 |
Total Exports |
50 |
52 |
54 |
55 |
Total Imports |
935 |
945 |
955 |
1,100 |
Imports from the U.S. |
312 |
320 |
340 |
350 |
Total Market Size = (Total Local Production + Total Imports) – (Total Exports)
Data Sources: The above statistics are unofficial estimates, based on Argentine Customs data, Nosis/Exi-Net export/import database, and other sources.
2011 import market share: United States: 30%; Brazil: 25%; Japan: 17%; China: 14%; Korea (South): 8%; Canada: 6%
Trade Events
Event: |
Argentina Mining |
Event: |
ArMinera |
Event: |
MINExpo International |
Useful Links
- Secretariat of Mining of the Argentine Republic (Spanish)
- Argentine Geological and Mining Service (SEGEMAR) (Spanish)
- Association of Mining Companies (CAEM) (Spanish)
- Panorama Minero - Trade Publication (Spanish)
Contact Information
Please feel free to contact the U.S. Commercial Service Argentina Specialist mentioned below for additional information or assistance.
Marcelo Amden
Mining Equipment Industry Specialist
U.S. Commercial Service Argentina
Embassy of the United States of America
Av. Colombia 4300
C1425GMN Buenos Aires, Argentina
Phone: (54-11) 5777-4509
Fax: (54-11) 5777-4203
Email: Marcelo.Amden@trade.gov
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