AGP Executive Report

Rare Earths in Focus: Power Minerals extended broad, high-grade rare earth mineralisation at Brazil’s Morro do Ferro, including magnet rare earth oxide results (up to 4.40% MREO) and signs mineralisation may continue deeper. Lithium Deal in Argentina: Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng signed definitive agreements for a JV covering major Salta projects plus a $180M convertible note (4% coupon) to help repay $259M due in Jan 2027. Biotech Manufacturing Boost: Biosidus says its new bioreactor plant is now operational, expanding biologics capacity for its agalsidase beta biosimilar for Fabry disease. Maritime Pollution Study: CONICET researchers used an underwater robot in Argentine Atlantic canyons and found 29 types of human waste, including plastics and even a VHS cassette, showing how debris persists at depth. Housing Finance Push: Argentina’s economy minister announced an AR$2T plan to revive mortgage lending via ANSES-managed guarantees, targeting 17k–18k families. Energy Tech Funding: Colombia’s Bia Energy raised US$18.5M to scale distributed solar communities and expand its energy software platform. Local Business & Innovation: Córdoba launched the Entrepreneurial Ideas Contest 2026 to fund operational SMEs with tech and process improvement projects.

Water & Infrastructure Crisis: Argentina’s construction chamber warns maintenance gaps are costing about US$70M a day, with 21% lacking drinking water and 40% without sewers, pushing a push for multi-year plans and efficient tech like PVC pipes. Cybersecurity & Fraud Crackdown: Interpol’s Operation Jackal IV led to 58 arrests across 22 countries, including major actions in Argentina, targeting West African cyber-scam networks and money laundering. AI for Border Control: A new take on “the intelligent border” shows how AI is reshaping customs risk management as parcel volumes surge. Lithium Race: Lithium prices rebound and Argentina’s projects keep moving, including Lithium Argentina’s $180M PPG JV with Ganfeng and Eramet’s output progress in the country. Energy & Industry: Axens and Raízen started up their 300th Prime-G+ gasoline desulfurisation unit in Argentina, aiming for cleaner fuel with lower environmental footprint. Agritech Microbes: MarketsandMarkets projects agricultural microbials to hit $21.47B by 2031, driven by regenerative farming and reduced chemical inputs. Earth & Space Science: A geodetic radio astronomy explainer highlights VLBI’s role in both mapping the universe and monitoring Earth.

Lithium Race: POSCO’s 17-year lithium bet in Argentina is finally turning profitable, with brine operations at Hombre Muerto delivering first gains and renewed interest from Korea beyond raw minerals. Local Industry Watch: Argentina’s manufacturing keeps sliding—industrial activity fell in July and exports to Brazil dropped, underlining how weak demand and external exposure are squeezing factories. AI for Cities: A global call is open for the 2026 AI x City Climate Action hackathon, pushing teams to build AI solutions for transport, informal settlements, and misinformation. Frontier AI Access: A new policy argument says Australia can’t reach frontier AI self-sufficiency and should treat sovereignty as “managed dependence” for reliable access. Semiconductor Ecosystem: Samsung is partnering deeper with Nvidia’s Vera Rubin platform, scaling foundry and HBM supply for next-gen AI hardware. Security & Crime: Interpol’s Operation Jackal IV coordinated an eight-month crackdown on West African cybercrime networks, leading to dozens of arrests across 22 countries. Space-from-Space: NASA detected a massive phytoplankton bloom near the Falklands, showing how satellite data can reveal marine productivity. Energy Transition Politics: A new piece frames lithium as the “oil of the new economy,” linking battery supply chains to future geopolitical competition.

Falklands Science: NASA satellites spotted a massive phytoplankton bloom near the islands, revealing ocean dynamics from space and sparking Argentine social-media “flag” comparisons. Argentina Navy Modernization: The Armada permanently retires its Dassault Super Étendard fleet under Plan Dédalo, ending active service in 2026 and swapping in newer aircraft and upgrades. Agriculture Research Cooperation: Egypt and Argentina sign an MoU via ARC and INTA to develop high-yield, stress-tolerant crops and expand work on biotech, irrigation, water saving, and aquaculture. Digital Experience in LatAm: TEAM International launches TEAMCX as a Sitecore-focused, AI-powered customer experience push across Argentina and the region. Mining & Finance: McEwen Mining announces COO retirement and leadership changes, while Cerrado Gold reports a big jump in margins per ounce at its Santa Cruz mine. Weather Watch Buenos Aires: A storm system is forecast to hit the AMBA area Thursday with rain, wind, and a sharp temperature drop. AI & Work: South Africa ranks among the top AI outsourcing hubs, highlighting how enterprise adoption and workforce literacy shape competitiveness.

Argentina-India Trade Push: Milei’s government advanced talks with India to expand trade and attract investment, focusing on energy, mining, agribusiness and technology, with a new business forum and joint trade committee meeting in Buenos Aires. AI Copyright Clash: Editorial Perfil sued OpenAI and Microsoft in Argentina, alleging unauthorized use of its journalism to train AI and seeking accountability for copyright and unfair competition. University Funding Strike: Argentina’s university professors and staff launched a 48-hour strike over delayed implementation of the University Funding Law, warning research and scholarships are at risk. Mercosur E-Commerce Update: Brazil enacted the Mercosur Electronic Commerce Agreement, easing cross-border online transactions and adding data protection and cybersecurity cooperation. Mining & Critical Minerals: A Utah delegation returned from Argentina after advancing partnerships on critical minerals, including lithium supply and water-efficient extraction research. Tech & Data Infrastructure: Chile moved toward a subsea cable to Antarctica, weighing routes that could connect multiple bases and reduce reliance on high-latency satellite links.

Antarctica Connectivity: Chile’s telecom regulator Subtel says a fiber-optic cable across the Drake Passage is technically viable, with two route options (about $370M for a shorter build, up to ~$621M for more landings), aiming to move research data off “hard drives in suitcases” and enable real-time sensing. Local Tech & Industry: Volkswagen’s next Amarok will be built in Argentina from 2027, with upgrades at General Pacheco and a platform developed with SAIC. Energy & Resources: Lithium Argentina and Ganfeng are finalizing a joint venture for Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes in Salta, alongside a $180M strategic investment to strengthen the balance sheet. Health & Environment: Scientists warn H5 bird flu could trigger “carnage” for Australia’s seals and sea lions after detection in long-nosed fur seals. Biodiversity: In Colombia’s Guainía, researchers report nearly 120 dragonfly and damselfly species, linking naming in ancestral languages to freshwater protection. Agriculture & Soil: Dominica is bringing INTA specialists to support integrated soil conservation and fertility improvements for climate-resilient farming.

Autonomous Mobility in Buenos Aires: CABA authorized pilot tests of Level 4 autonomous vehicles and delivery robots on public streets, aiming to gather real-traffic data for future rules. Drone Defense (Argentina-Brazil): Sanco Defense and Taurus Armas developed the Falco-P FPV interceptor, targeting counter-UAS missions with plans for mass production in Buenos Aires. Energy Tech & Security: The U.S. ambassador urged Americas to avoid “high-risk” Chinese tech tied to Vaca Muerta, while Argentina’s defense sector also moves to modernize after retiring the Super Étendard. Wildlife Health: Australia reported the first H5 bird flu infection in a mainland mammal (a long-nosed fur seal), raising fears for endangered sea lions. Science & Heritage: CONICET-linked research uses camera traps and drones in Ciervo de los Pantanos to map threats to medium and large mammals. Biotech Discovery: A CONICET paleontology study suggests a 236-million-year-old cynodont may have been viviparous, pushing back the origin of live birth. Crypto & Local Economy: Tether’s CEO says USDT adoption is rising in Argentina amid currency instability.

AI & Connectivity in Argentina: Argentina is pushing to become a Latin American AI hub, with plans for data centers, high-speed connectivity, and satellite internet for rural schools via Starlink—6,000 kits for 3 years under an ENACOM deal worth about US$22M, drawing criticism over lack of bidding. Public Trust in AI: A CARMA study reports AI trust rising from 26% (2025) to 30% (2026), with media trust falling and responsibility debates shifting toward governments and regulators. Biodiversity & Conservation: In Buenos Aires province, UNSAM-led work at Ciervo de los Pantanos National Park uses camera traps and threat mapping to track medium and large mammals and guide management. Health & Biosecurity: Spain reports a surge in imported chikungunya cases, while Australia flags its first H5N1 death in a mainland mammal (a fur seal), underscoring how fast outbreaks can spread. Tech, Environment & Art: Argentine artist Leandro Erlich’s REEFLINE in Miami sinks designed “car” sculptures to create artificial reef habitat for corals. Tech Policy & Privacy: Amnesty warns Argentina’s AI surveillance is expanding under Milei, raising concerns about social control.

AI & Policy: Argentina is pushing to become a Latin America AI hub, betting on deregulation, data centers, high-speed connectivity and satellite internet for rural schools via Starlink—though critics question the lack of public bidding and transparency. Public Trust in AI: A new CARMA study finds AI trust is rising (26% in 2025 to 30% in 2026), with people shifting from excitement toward caution and placing responsibility mainly on governments and regulators. Health & Biosecurity: Spain reports a chikungunya jump to 119 cases, with most origins traced to Bolivia and Cuba, raising concern about local mosquito transmission. Environment & Engineering: UNSAM researchers in Greater Buenos Aires are building artificial wetlands to clean the Reconquista River, aiming to filter pollutants without relying only on conventional treatment plants. Energy & Minerals: Copper market forecasts for 2026 warn of a potential deficit as supply delays collide with electrification demand; Argentina also faces pressure to secure control over critical minerals. Space/Infrastructure: Bonatti says it wants Argentina to become a long-term operating hub after winning an Argentina LNG pipeline contract tied to Vaca Muerta. Local Conservation: In Mendoza, a family rescued 5,000 ancient olive trees from development by relocating them into a sanctuary instead of letting them be cut for firewood.

Argentina Tech & Policy: Amnesty International says Argentina is expanding a techno-authoritarian surveillance setup, citing spending on facial recognition, drones and real-time image systems, plus a Clearview AI license. Water & Environment: UNSAM researchers are building artificial wetlands to clean the Reconquista River, aiming to filter persistent pollutants before water re-enters the main channel. Space/Defense Tech: The U.S. Army’s UAS/C-UAS Marketplace is rolling out faster defense procurement for partner nations, with Argentina among early acceptances. Mining & Critical Minerals: NGEx reports a high-grade Lunahuasi copper-gold-silver hit (57.75m at 9.41% CuEq), while another piece argues Argentina must better control critical minerals supply chains. Energy/Industry: Bonatti targets Argentina LNG as a long-term operating hub after winning a Vaca Muerta pipeline contract. Local Science Collaboration: Buenos Aires province and Uruguay’s government signed agreements on agrifood exchanges and strengthening research and diagnosis of infectious diseases. Tech in Practice: Turkey unveiled an AI-assisted vehicle inspection system due to start nationwide in 2027.

AI Surveillance & Privacy: Amnesty International says Argentina’s expanding AI security unit is building a techno-authoritarian monitoring system, citing spending on facial recognition, tracking drones and real-time image transmission, with a “chilling effect” for protesters and journalists. Seismic Safety in Cuyo: INPRES rejects a “contagion effect” after Peru and Colombia earthquakes, stressing San Juan’s risk comes from local geology and that no method can predict when the next quake will hit. Defense Modernization: Argentina’s Milei government moves ahead with a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for 235 Stryker armored vehicles, including infantry transport, medical evacuation and command variants. Energy & Industry: Italian contractor Bonatti targets Argentina as a long-term Latin America hub after winning an Argentina LNG pipeline contract tied to Vaca Muerta. Regional Science Cooperation: Buenos Aires governor Axel Kicillof signs Uruguay agreements on agrifood and research, including links between wholesale markets and university-led science. Tech Policy & Security: The U.S. Army’s UAS/C-UAS Marketplace expands fast-track procurement for partner nations, with Argentina among accepted invitees. RIGI Investment Push: Argentina’s RIGI regime has drawn nearly $199B in proposed projects, mostly in oil, gas, lithium and copper.

RIGI Push: Argentina’s Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) is drawing massive interest, with about $199B in proposed projects and most bets clustering in oil, gas, lithium, and copper—raising fresh debates over jobs, dollars, and environmental safeguards. AI & Media Tech: Content Everywhere is spotlighting agentic AI for streaming, sports data, and newsroom workflows, with major players like AWS, Reuters, and Stats Perform shaping how content gets produced and distributed. Surveillance Rules: Mendoza is moving to regulate facial recognition cameras in its security system, aiming to formalize use after early results reportedly led to 23 identifications tied to arrest warrants. UAV Policy: The U.S. eased export controls on certain civilian drones while also adding tariffs on imported UAVs, a combo that could reshape global drone supply chains. Privacy vs AI: Reports say police used prior Google Gemini chat history to help locate a mother and daughter who asked an AI how to avoid being traced. Cosmetics Testing Law: Argentina lawmakers introduced a bill to phase out animal testing for cosmetics, pushing validated alternatives like in vitro and computational toxicology.

AI & Privacy: A Buenos Aires-linked case highlights the risk of treating chatbots as private; experts warn that what you type can be tied to accounts and devices, so “think before you type” matters. Cybersecurity: ThreatsDay reports new ways attackers can abuse signed Windows components and other small gaps to bypass defenses, plus a $10M DOJ-linked crackdown. Urban Recycling: Buenos Aires cartoneros warn City Hall’s recycling-contract renewal rules could exclude cooperatives and hand the system to private firms. Health Research: Argentina’s Malbrán lab signed a framework with Roche to speed projects on prevalent infectious diseases, aiming to turn science into tools for prevention and care. Environment & Cities: Aeroparque closes for runway maintenance (Aug 25–27), shifting flights to Ezeiza; meanwhile San Vicente inaugurated a new access post at Laguna del Ojo Natural Reserve for citizen science biodiversity monitoring. Energy/Mining: Lithium Chile fights Canada’s review of a sale involving an Argentine subsidiary to a Chinese buyer, underscoring how cross-border lithium deals keep colliding with security politics. Geopolitics: U.S. officials face scrutiny over alleged pressure on a Neuquén cooperative tied to Huawei negotiations.

Argentina Tech & Policy: The U.S. ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, skipped a congressional hearing tied to allegations that embassy officials pressured a Neuquén cooperative to drop talks with Huawei, with lawmakers vowing to summon him again. Energy & Industry: Continental Resources is teaming up with Mercuria’s Argentine shale unit in a 50-50 deal to expand Phoenix Global Resources, aiming to treble output to over 100,000 boe in five years—another sign of renewed foreign push into Vaca Muerta. Mining & Infrastructure: Metso is boosting mining services across South America after investing about €45M over two years, including new repair and technical-support capacity in Brazil. Health & Digital Care: Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires published its 2025-2026 management report, highlighting WhatsApp-based appointment reminders, AI tools in clinical practice, and measurable cuts in waste and greenhouse gases. Space Watch: Argentina will be able to see a partial lunar eclipse (“blood moon”) on Aug. 27-28, with about 96% of the Moon covered at peak. Environment & Energy Integration: A Chile-Argentina power interconnection project was halted after concerns about the endangered Pehuenche frog’s habitat. Tech Markets: Fog computing and eVTOL aircraft markets both show strong growth projections, reflecting continued investment in edge intelligence and advanced air mobility.

AI Surveillance & Privacy: Amnesty International says Argentina’s Milei government expanded a “techno-authoritarian” surveillance setup using facial recognition, drones, and social-media monitoring, creating a chilling effect on protests and activism. Energy & Tech Politics: Protesters dressed as “Gandalf” targeted Peter Thiel in Buenos Aires over his Vista Energy investment, while Thiel later withdrew from a Milei-linked summit. Oil & Investment Push: YPF and PedidosYa sealed an alliance to sell YPF’s Full stores exclusively via the delivery app, aiming to scale from 60+ stores to 600+ by year-end. Maritime Monitoring: Argentina’s Navy plans to add U.S.-supplied drones and maritime patrol aircraft to strengthen surveillance of the Argentine Sea and strategic areas. Waste & Data-Driven Control: Cartoneros and recycling cooperatives protested Buenos Aires’ proposed recycling overhaul, including GPS/telemetry tracking and a shift toward private contractors. Critical Minerals & Water: A Utah trade mission explored partnerships with Argentina on managing shrinking saline lakes and critical mineral processing. Space for Research & Education: Argentina’s universities face a strike, while regional science rankings keep spotlighting Latin American research capacity.

AI Surveillance & Privacy: Amnesty International says Argentina’s Milei administration expanded facial recognition, drones, and social-media monitoring, warning it’s building a “techno-authoritarian” control system that chills protest and journalism. Energy & Tech Capital: Peter Thiel’s Gandalf-themed street protest in Buenos Aires spotlights his $76M stake in Vaca Muerta-linked Vista Energy and Palantir’s surveillance role. Wildlife Tech for Conservation: A satellite map using GPS tracking is helping protect Magellanic penguins in Cabo Vírgenes by revealing feeding areas beyond current protected zones. Open Internet Governance: A London debate at the IETF will tackle how “AI preferences” standards could control automated scraping of public websites. Local AI Engineering Growth: Bridgenext acquired Buenos Aires-based CloudX to scale enterprise AI engineering and agentic deployments. Mobility & Industry: Utah and Argentina explore research on shrinking saline lakes and critical mineral processing, while Metso opens a San Juan office to boost mining services across the region.