After a year of relevant announcements in the mining sector in 2024, what can be expected in San Juan in the near future?
The surge in investments in San Juan during 2024 has positioned copper at the center of our growth strategies, recognizing its key role in the global energy transition. This comes alongside all the companies that have also decided to invest in the mining development of our province. For this reason, our vision is that, in the coming years, San Juan will consolidate itself as the epicenter of copper. This involves not only attracting new projects and capital but also implementing policies and regulatory frameworks that ensure responsible, sustainable mining development and the creation of quality jobs. We are committed to transforming this potential into a driver of progress for the region, integrating innovation, environmental respect, and social development at every stage of the process.
A provincial delegation attended the Raw Materials Week held in Brussels. What conclusions were reached, and how is the investment climate toward San Juan perceived?
During the Raw Materials Week in Brussels, the San Juan delegation made significant progress in mobilizing investments. In various bilateral meetings with key institutions such as the European Investment Bank and the World Bank, progress was made in defining international financing agreements aimed at boosting strategic projects in road and energy infrastructure.
These discussions have reaffirmed the strong interest of the investor community in San Juan, particularly in initiatives that enhance the exploration and exploitation of critical minerals such as copper.
What objectives does the Copper Table set, and what is the degree of progress?
The Copper Table, composed of the provinces of San Juan, Salta, Mendoza, Jujuy, and Catamarca, has as its primary objective to promote the comprehensive development of the copper industry in Argentina, leveraging the growing global interest and demand for this strategic mineral.
To achieve this goal, specialized working committees have been formed in key areas such as infrastructure, supplier development, royalties, and regulatory frameworks. These teams have made significant progress in defining coordinated strategies and actions, with the ambitious and challenging goal of attracting investments exceeding US$20 billion. This progress reflects the commitment of the provinces involved in the Copper Table to transform the sector's potential into a growth and sustainable development engine for Argentina's mining industry.
Infrastructure is presented as one of the major challenges in the mining sector. How do you view this issue, and what can be done from the public sector?
Infrastructure is one of the most critical challenges in the mining sector and requires a comprehensive approach from the public sector. During our participation in the Raw Materials Week, this issue was one of the central topics on the agenda. We had the opportunity to hold strategic meetings with major multilateral credit organizations such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank, the European Investment Bank, and the French Development Agency.
These meetings were highly productive and highlighted the strong interest of these institutions in evaluating and financing infrastructure projects that are essential for the mining sector. Notable initiatives include: the generation and transportation of renewable energy, the recovery and expansion of the road network, and the modernization of the railway network.
From the provincial government, our commitment is to drive these initiatives through the coordination of policies and the establishment of strategic alliances that will transform these challenges into opportunities for the sustainable development of the mining sector.
What type of coordination could be carried out with Chile given the possibility of binational projects?
Binational coordination on mining projects is framed within the Treaty on Mining Integration between Argentina and Chile, which was designed to encourage investment and facilitate the development of cross-border initiatives. This instrument provides a clear and detailed legal framework, which reduces barriers and promotes cooperation between investors and authorities from both countries, while also protecting national interests in environmental, labor, and social aspects.
In this context, San Juan can contribute with a series of measures to facilitate the execution of binational projects, such as: simplifying procedures, infrastructure and connectivity, technical and operational cooperation, and environmental protection and control.
Additionally, the province of San Juan actively participates in the biannual meetings of the Treaty’s working group, held both in Argentina and Chile. This participation allows for intervention and cooperation in the activities necessary to enhance integration and advance joint projects.
How will the development of suppliers be addressed?
We are developing a set of strategic tools and programs aimed at strengthening local suppliers, raising their quality and competitiveness standards. We have full confidence in their potential and recognize that in order to meet the demands of the global market, it is essential to enhance their technical and operational capacity. San Juan has the “Know-how” and we believe that our suppliers will be up to the task of the mining industry to come.
In this regard, initiatives will be implemented, including: training and technical assistance programs, certification and improvement of quality standards, and promotion of collaboration and knowledge exchange.
How are expectations managed among the San Juan population regarding the mining sector?
We work seriously and responsibly, with a particular focus on developing the sector and addressing the needs of mining communities, in collaboration with their stakeholders. As the governor rightly expressed, "where intentions turn into decisions, and those into actions," and it is precisely this philosophy that guides our policies.
In this context, we strongly invest in training as a key tool to improve employability conditions and enhance local talent. Together with the region's universities, we have launched an ambitious educational project that introduces hybrid mining technical programs, specifically designed to strengthen the skills of mining communities.
What message will you give to the investor community attending PDAC?
The message to the investor community attending PDAC is clear: the time to invest is now. Backed by a robust regulatory framework, strategic tools like RIGI, and an agile environmental evaluation system, San Juan offers legal security and a favorable environment for large-scale projects. The convergence of innovation, sustainability, and a tangible commitment to development makes us more attractive and opens a scenario of unique opportunities for both national and international investors.
Mining is a state policy in San Juan that has transformed the productive matrix and generated employment and local development. With significant investments, San Juan is positioned as a national leader in exploration and production. Moreover, the commitment to solar energy, supported by exceptional radiation conditions and pioneering experience in the sector, strengthens the region's economic diversification and resilience.
