South America is emerging as a cornerstone for the global supply of critical raw materials (CRMs), essential for the transition to a low-carbon, digital, and circular economy. From lithium powering electric vehicles to nickel and cobalt supporting renewable energy technologies, the continent’s mineral wealth is crucial for global energy security and sustainable industrial growth.
Unlocking Geological Potential
Jonathan Ford, Director of National Geoscience at the British Geological Survey (BGS), BGS Executive Director, highlight the pivotal role of geological data in harnessing South America’s mineral potential. Stretching from the active Pacific margin and the Andean mountain ranges in the west to the cratonic terranes in the east, South America’s geological diversity has produced some of the world’s most significant mineral deposits.
This natural wealth positions the region as a key contributor to meeting the rising global demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, rare earth elements, and nickel—materials essential for clean energy technologies, electric mobility, and advanced digital infrastructure.
South America at the Heart of the Lithium Revolution
The continent is home to half of the world’s lithium resources, concentrated in the ‘Lithium Triangle’ spanning Chile, Argentina, and Bolivia. These high-altitude salt pans or ‘salars’ represent some of the most extreme mining environments on Earth. As global decarbonization accelerates, lithium from this region will play a pivotal role in powering electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. However, unlocking this potential requires careful balancing of economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.
A Global Leader in Minerals
South America is not only a lithium powerhouse. It dominates global niobium production, leads in copper output, and also hosts significant reserves of molybdenum, silver, tin, iron ore, and bauxite. The region continues to yield new discoveries, such as the Vicuña greenfield copper deposit, the largest copper discovery worldwide in recent decades. Timely exploration, responsible development, and effective management of these resources are critical to attracting sustainable investment and de-risking projects for the mineral sector.
The Role of Geological Data and Knowledge
High-quality, pre-competitive geological data is the foundation for responsible mineral development. Geological survey organizations (GSOs) like BGS play a vital role in collecting and delivering this data to governments, industry, and communities. Beyond exploration, GSOs increasingly provide insights on sustainable resource governance, supply chain transparency, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) priorities.
International collaboration is essential. By sharing expertise and data across borders, countries can strengthen governance frameworks, promote accountability, and ensure that mineral development delivers local and global benefits.
Partnerships for Sustainable Mining
Collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society is key to building resilient and responsible supply chains. BGS works closely with South American counterparts in Peru, Chile, and Brazil to advance:
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Innovative geological mapping and survey data techniques.
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Development of ESG frameworks for responsible mining.
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Research on critical mineral deposit models.
Such partnerships are vital to fostering transparency, sustainable governance, and long-term value creation in the mineral sector.
Strategic Minerals for a Sustainable Future
South America’s geological wealth is central to the global supply of CRMs, but unlocking this potential responsibly depends on strong partnerships and robust governance. By combining cutting-edge geological data, ESG frameworks, and international cooperation, the region can ensure secure, transparent, and sustainable mineral supply chains—driving the energy transition while delivering economic and social benefits worldwide.
