Argentina at an energy crossroads: the role of trade unions in building a just transition Lithium mining in Salinas Grandes, on national route 52 in the province of Jujuy. (Sub Cooperativa ) 14 December 2020 (Sub Cooperativa ) Argentina is at a crossroads. The repercussions of the pandemic look set to worsen the socio-economic crisis already looming over the country and are having a huge impact on its currency: once again, the country is looking to the ‘blue dollar’, the unofficial US dollar rate, which is already twice the official rate. The situation is fuelling the pressing need to increase foreign currency revenues, traditionally derived from mining and the exploitation of resources such as soya, gas and oil.