The province of Salta has reinforced its position as one of the world’s most important borate-producing regions following the reopening of the historic Sol de Mañana deposit in Argentina’s high-altitude Puna region. After a prolonged period of inactivity, Ulex Comercializadora Argentina S.A. has resumed mining and processing operations at the site, bringing renewed momentum to production, employment, and export growth across a sector that has shaped the regional economy for more than 150 years.
Located in Sijes within the Los Andes Department, more than 4,000 meters above sea level and roughly 80 kilometers from San Antonio de los Cobres, the Sol de Mañana operation represents one of Argentina’s most recognized borate assets. The project had remained dormant following the transfer of mining activities from Ulex S.A., but its return marks a significant milestone for both the province and the national mining industry.
Strategic Borate Production Returns to the Salta Puna
Since its establishment in 1987, Ulex has built a strong presence in global markets through the extraction and processing of boron minerals. These critical industrial minerals are used in more than 1,500 applications across sectors ranging from agriculture and chemicals to glass manufacturing, ceramics, pharmaceuticals, and advanced technologies.
At the Sol de Mañana deposit, operations encompass the complete production chain. Mining activities focus on extracting hydroboracite and colemanite, two of the most valuable borate minerals. The material then undergoes a series of industrial processes, including crushing, washing, drying, granulometric classification, and rigorous laboratory quality control to ensure compliance with international standards.
This integrated approach allows the company to supply customized borate products to customers worldwide, strengthening Salta’s long-standing reputation as a reliable exporter of high-quality boron minerals.
A Mining Legacy Dating Back to the Nineteenth Century
Borate mining has played a central role in the economic development of Salta for generations. Historical and geological records indicate that commercial exploitation of borates in the Puna began during the 1870s, making it one of Argentina’s oldest continuously operating mining industries.
According to renowned Salta geologist Ricardo Alonso, borate production remains one of the province’s most enduring mining achievements, representing a legacy of uninterrupted activity spanning more than a century and a half.
The exceptional geology of the Salta Puna has been a key factor behind this success. The region hosts two major categories of deposits: salar borates found in salt flats and hard-rock (fossil) borates located within mountain ranges such as Sijes. These deposits contain substantial reserves of hydroboracite and colemanite, minerals comparable in quality and scale to those found in major producing regions of Turkey and the United States.
Value-Added Processing Strengthens Export Competitiveness
Beyond its rich mineral resources, Salta has developed an advanced borate-processing industry capable of generating significant added value. Rather than exporting only raw mineral products, local producers manufacture refined derivatives including boric acid, processed borax, pentaborates, and specialized compounds used by agricultural, chemical, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing industries.
This value-added strategy has helped position Salta as a competitive player in international markets. Today, borate products from the province are exported to more than 40 countries, with Brazil remaining one of the most important destinations due to strong demand from its glass and ceramics industries.
The continued expansion of export markets highlights the strategic importance of boron minerals within global industrial supply chains and reinforces Argentina’s role as a key supplier.
Mining Growth Extends Beyond Lithium
The restart of Sol de Mañana comes at a time when Salta is experiencing unprecedented mining growth, largely driven by major lithium projects and new metalliferous exploration programs. While lithium has attracted significant international attention, industry experts emphasize that borates remain a vital component of the province’s diversified mining portfolio.
Unlike many commodities that experience significant market fluctuations, borates benefit from stable long-term demand supported by a broad range of industrial applications. This resilience has allowed the sector to maintain its strategic relevance even as new critical minerals gain prominence.
The reopening of Sol de Mañana therefore represents more than the revival of a single mining project. It signals renewed confidence in one of Argentina’s most established mining industries while supporting regional economic development across the Puna.
Economic Benefits for Local Communities
The return of mining activity is expected to generate substantial benefits for local communities and businesses throughout the region. In addition to creating direct employment opportunities, the operation stimulates demand for transportation services, equipment maintenance, logistics providers, contractors, and local suppliers.
As production ramps up, the project is expected to contribute to broader economic activity while strengthening the industrial ecosystem that supports mining operations in the Andes.
With more than 150 years of history behind it, Salta’s borate industry continues to stand as a cornerstone of the provincial economy. The reactivation of the Sol de Mañana deposit not only preserves a proud mining tradition but also reinforces the province’s status as a global center for boron mineral production and exports, ensuring that this historic sector remains a key driver of growth for years to come.
