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Saudi Arabia invests in Latin America to Secure Copper and Lithium Supply
Saudi Arabia is making significant investments in Latin American countries, notably in projects related to copper and lithium mining, as it seeks to diversify its economy and secure critical resources for its ambitious future in renewable energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. This move challenges the conventional dominance of the United States and China in these key resource markets. As of January 14, 2026, these investments are reshaping the geopolitical landscape of resource control.
The Strategic Importance of Copper and Lithium
Copper and lithium are essential components in the global transition to a green economy. The International Energy agency (IEA) highlights the increasing demand for these minerals driven by the growth of electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure, and energy storage systems. Saudi Arabia, aiming to reduce its reliance on oil and become a leader in enduring technologies, recognizes the need to secure access to these resources.
Copper: Powering the Future
Copper is crucial for electrical wiring, motors, and other components used in renewable energy systems like solar and wind power. Demand for copper is projected to substantially increase in the coming decades. statista forecasts continued growth in global copper consumption, driven by infrastructure development and the electrification of transportation.
Lithium: The Battery Revolution
Lithium is a key ingredient in lithium-ion batteries, wich power electric vehicles and store energy from renewable sources. The demand for lithium is experiencing exponential growth. Benchmark Mineral Intelligence provides detailed analysis of the lithium market, showing a consistent upward trend in prices and demand due to the expanding EV market.
Saudi Arabia’s Investments in Latin America
Saudi Arabia’s investment strategy focuses on several Latin American countries rich in copper and lithium reserves. While specific deal details are frequently enough confidential, publicly announced and reported investments include:
- Chile: Saudi Arabia is exploring partnerships with Chilean mining companies to develop copper and lithium projects in the Atacama Desert, one of the world’s richest lithium reserves. reuters reported on Saudi Arabia’s interest in Chilean lithium in late 2023, and this interest has continued to materialize into preliminary agreements as of early 2026.
- Peru: Investments are being directed towards copper mining operations in Peru, a major global copper producer. Mining.com details Saudi investment in Peruvian copper projects, aiming to increase production capacity.
- Argentina: saudi Arabia is also investing in lithium brine projects in Argentina’s “Lithium Triangle