Argentina Mining Output Falls Second Straight Month; Lithium Offsets Metals Drop

Argentina's mining production index rose 3.7% y/y in July but fell 0.9% m/m on a seasonally adjusted basis, marking a second consecutive monthly decline. The drop was driven by weaker metal ores and oil/gas services, while lithium and other non-metallic minerals posted strong gains. The divergence suggests sector-specific headwinds in traditional mining versus growth in strategic minerals.