Do you operate at high-altitude NOA mine sites (above 4,000 meters)?

Yes. We run 6x4 units with reinforced drivetrain and drivers specifically trained for extreme high-altitude operations. We work regularly at the Salar de Olaroz, Cauchari-Olaroz, Fénix and other lithium triangle projects between 3,500-4,500 meters above sea level.

Do you transport lithium concentrate and other NOA minerals?

Yes. We handle transport of lithium carbonate, lithium chloride, copper concentrate, gold and other industrial minerals from the NOA region. Our units are equipped to meet all export regulations and the safety protocols specific to each cargo type.

NOA Argentina Mining Logistics | Mining Transport in Salta, Jujuy, Catamarca

Q: Do you have SEDRONAR certification for mining hazmat?

Yes. We hold current SEDRONAR (Argentine hazmat regulator) certification for hazardous cargo transport: fuels, chemicals for mineral processing, reagents, acids and other regulated materials. All drivers on this service hold a current ADR-certified dangerous goods qualification.

Q: Do you handle the corridor to Chile via Paso de Jama?

Yes. The Salta-Jujuy-Paso de Jama-Antofagasta corridor is strategic for many NOA exporters. We run this route regularly for mineral exports to Pacific ports and for inbound supply imports. Our Foreign Trade desk handles pre-clearance documentation to minimize border delays.

Q: Do you have operational presence in Catamarca?

Yes. Catamarca is one of our active operational branches, alongside Buenos Aires (HQ), Río Gallegos, Río Grande and Ushuaia. This lets us respond quickly to mining projects like MARA, Bajo de la Alumbrera, Agua Rica, Filo del Sol and the broader lithium triangle region.

Q: How long does a Catamarca-Buenos Aires haul with mining cargo take?

Approximately 24-36 hours depending on cargo type and operational conditions. For hazmat or oversized loads the lead time can extend due to specific regulatory requirements. We work with planned operational windows to optimize costs and meet commercial SLAs.

Q: Can you run B-Train (Bi-Tren) to optimize mining costs?

Yes. We operate B-Train (Bi-Tren) configuration (up to 75 tonnes per unit) on the main NOA corridors where road infrastructure is approved. B-Train reduces CO₂ emissions per tonne transported by 32% and significantly improves the logistics cost for recurring volumes.

Q: Can you handle reverse logistics for mining equipment?

Yes. Reverse logistics is one of the most demanded services in mining: returning equipment for maintenance, parts to service centers, waste for treatment, end-of-life equipment. We coordinate combined routes that optimize both the outbound and return legs to reduce total cost to the client.

01 · Context

NOA: Argentina's mining epicenter.

Northwest Argentina (NOA) is the country's most strategic region for mining. It comprises six provinces — Jujuy, Salta, Tucumán, Catamarca, La Rioja and Santiago del Estero — and concentrates most of Argentina's mineral resources in production, advanced exploration and development.

The region forms part of the South American lithium triangle (along with northern Chile and southwestern Bolivia), which holds more than 60% of the world's lithium reserves. This is complemented by significant copper, gold, silver, boron and industrial mineral production, positioning NOA as a key node in the global energy transition.

Sector data

The NOA region holds more than 12 lithium projects at different stages (from exploration to production), 4 active gold and silver mines, and world-class copper projects such as MARA and Filo del Sol. Sustained and growing logistics demand, with very specific technical requirements that few operators cover with proven experience.

+12

Lithium projects

In exploration, development and production across the NOA lithium triangle.

60%

Global lithium reserves

Argentina-Chile-Bolivia triangle. Argentina is the second-largest regional producer.

2°

Regional lithium producer

02 · Mine Sites

Representative projects
across NOA Argentina.

We operate logistics corridors to all major NOA mining projects. The table below summarizes the most relevant mine sites by province, with mineral type and operational altitude.

Sales de Jujuy / Olaroz

Jujuy

Lithium

3,900 m

Cauchari-Olaroz

Jujuy

Lithium

4,000 m

Fénix (Salar del Hombre Muerto)

Catamarca

Lithium

4,100 m

Sal de Vida

Catamarca

Lithium

3,800 m

Tres Quebradas

Catamarca

Lithium

4,200 m

MARA (ex-Bajo de la Alumbrera)

Catamarca

Copper · Gold

2,500 m

Agua Rica

Catamarca

Copper

3,000 m

Filo del Sol

San Juan / Chile

Copper · Gold · Silver

4,500 m

Veladero

San Juan

Gold

4,000 m

Pirquitas

Jujuy

Silver · Zinc

4,100 m

Each project has specific logistics challenges: access via high-altitude roads, weather-limited operational windows, hazmat requirements, coordination with mining shifts, and safety protocols unique to each mine. Our operational experience covers all these scenarios.

03 · Challenges

Why NOA mining
logistics is different.

Moving cargo across mining NOA is nothing like conventional logistics. It combines extreme conditions, strict regulatory requirements and heavy volumes.

Challenge 01

Geography & altitude

Mine sites between 3,800 and 4,500 m above sea level. Requires 6x4 units with reinforced drivetrain, altitude-trained drivers and intensive preventive maintenance.

Challenge 02

Regulated hazmat cargo

Fuels, processing acids, chemical reagents. Require current SEDRONAR certification, ADR-trained drivers and compliant equipment.

Challenge 03

Planned volumes

Mining operations run on strict planning: synchronized supplies, concentrate in port windows, scheduled equipment maintenance. Requires end-to-end management, not spot freight.

Challenge 04

Pacific connection

Lithium and copper concentrate are exported via Chilean ports (Antofagasta, Mejillones, Iquique). Requires experience at the Paso de Jama crossing and pre-customs documentation management.

04 · Services

Six capabilities.
One NOA operation.

Our offering for the NOA mining sector is designed to cover the full logistics operation, from inbound supplies to export.

/ 001

Concentrate transport

Lithium carbonate and chloride, copper and gold concentrate to processing centers or export ports. Full compliance with export regulations.

Mineral · Export

/ 002

Operational supplies

Reagents, acids, construction materials, parts, consumables and administrative supplies to remote mine sites with full operational coordination.

Mine site · Supplies

/ 003

ADR hazmat cargo

Current SEDRONAR certification: fuels, processing chemicals, reagents and acids. Drivers with up-to-date ADR qualification.

SEDRONAR · ADR

/ 004

International logistics

Export via Paso de Jama to Antofagasta, Mejillones and Iquique ports. Full customs documentation handling. Import of key supplies.

Paso de Jama · Pacific

/ 005

Equipment & reverse logistics

Movement of mining equipment, generators, camp modules and oversized loads. Return of equipment for maintenance and waste for treatment.

Equipment · Return

/ 006

Trunk B-Train

On approved corridors, B-Train (Bi-Tren) configuration with up to 75 tonnes per unit and 32% reduction in CO₂ emissions per tonne.

75 t · -32% CO₂

05 · Differentiator

Why San Martín Group
for NOA mining.

What sets us apart as a logistics operator for the NOA mining sector rests on four concrete operational pillars.

Pillar 01

Catamarca branch

Unlike operators who cover NOA from Buenos Aires, we have an active branch in Catamarca. Fast response, flexible unit allocation, on-the-ground presence at lithium triangle projects.

Pillar 02

45+ years in the territory

Operating since 1981. Real knowledge of NOA routes, relationships with Paso de Jama customs authorities, understanding of each mining operator's protocols and proven procedures.

Pillar 03

Full compliance

Current SEDRONAR certification. SENASA certification. ADR-qualified drivers. ISO 9001, 14001 and 39001 implementation. Audits and full traceability.

Pillar 04

Fleet technology

100% of the fleet with real-time satellite tracking. Tracking dashboard for mining clients: anticipates arrival times, flags deviations and coordinates with internal operations.

06 · Corridors

NOA logistics
corridors.

We operate trunk routes to and from all major NOA mining projects. These are the most representative corridors in operation.

Catamarca ↔ Buenos Aires

Corridor for general supplies, maintenance equipment and parts. ~1,150 km, 24-36 h transit time.

Jujuy / Salta → Paso de Jama → Antofagasta

Concentrate export and import of supplies. Border crossing with pre-customs handling.

Salta / Jujuy ↔ Catamarca

Internal NOA routes for coordination between mine sites and regional processing centers.

NOA ↔ Rosario / Buenos Aires

Export via Paraná river ports (Atlantic) for markets that require it or cargo not destined for the Pacific.

NOA → Tucumán → processing centers

Distribution to regional chemical and refining plants. Coordination with plant windows.

Intra-mine operation

Internal transport at large projects requiring coordination across multiple operational points on site.

07 · Frequently asked questions

What we get asked
about NOA mining.

Do you operate at mine sites above 4,000 meters?

Yes. We run 6x4 units with reinforced drivetrain and drivers specifically trained for extreme-altitude operations. We work regularly at Salar de Olaroz, Cauchari, Fénix and other lithium triangle projects between 3,500-4,500 meters above sea level.

Do you transport lithium concentrate and other minerals?

Yes. We handle transport of lithium carbonate, lithium chloride, copper concentrate, gold and other NOA industrial minerals. Our units are equipped to meet export regulations and the safety protocols specific to each cargo type.

Do you have SEDRONAR certification for mining hazmat?

Yes. We hold current SEDRONAR certification for hazardous cargo: fuels, mineral processing chemicals, reagents, acids and other regulated materials. All drivers on this service hold an up-to-date ADR-certified dangerous goods qualification.

Do you handle the corridor to Chile via Paso de Jama?

Yes. The Salta-Jujuy-Paso de Jama-Antofagasta corridor is strategic for many NOA exporters. We run this route regularly for mineral exports to Pacific ports and for inbound supply imports. Our Foreign Trade desk handles pre-clearance documentation to minimize border delays.

Do you have operational presence in Catamarca?

Yes. Catamarca is one of our active operational branches, along with Buenos Aires (HQ), Río Gallegos, Río Grande and Ushuaia. This lets us respond quickly to projects like MARA, Bajo de la Alumbrera, Agua Rica, Filo del Sol and the broader lithium triangle region.

Can you run B-Train to optimize costs?

Yes. We run B-Train (Bi-Tren) configuration (up to 75 tonnes per unit) on the main NOA corridors where road infrastructure is approved. B-Train reduces CO₂ emissions per tonne transported by 32% and significantly improves logistics cost for recurring volumes.

How long does a Catamarca-Buenos Aires haul with mining cargo take?

Approximately 24-36 hours depending on cargo type and operational conditions. For hazmat or oversized loads the lead time can extend due to specific regulatory requirements. We work with planned operational windows to optimize costs and meet commercial SLAs.

Do you handle reverse logistics for mining equipment?

Yes. Reverse logistics is one of the most demanded services in mining: returning equipment for maintenance, parts to service centers, waste for treatment, end-of-life equipment. We coordinate combined routes that optimize both outbound and return legs to reduce total cost to the client.

Direct contact

NOA mining logistics.

NOA: Argentina's mining epicenter.

Representative projects
across NOA Argentina.