The governor of Mendoza highlighted changes in macroeconomic conditions and the favorable business climate his province has fostered.
"We previously faced significant social opposition, but we have been overcoming these challenges swiftly and effectively," he stated.
By Panorama Minero
Alfredo Cornejo is attending PDAC 2025 with the mission of demonstrating that Mendoza has delivered on the commitments made at the previous edition—an achievement, he noted, that will build greater confidence and attract more investment.
"A year ago, in Toronto, we presented the Mendoza Plan. Today, we are here to show that we delivered. We have 29 additional projects in process, and we have met all our commitments," emphasized the governor.
While he welcomed Argentina’s improved macroeconomic conditions—facilitating investment in new energy and mining projects—he also cautioned against premature optimism.
"We cannot declare victory just yet," he warned.
"We want to develop sustainable mining and also revitalize the oil industry. To achieve this, we need renewable energy—particularly solar power. Energy and oil are crucial to improving wages in Mendoza, which cannot rely solely on tourism, commerce, or agriculture," Cornejo stressed.
"To make this possible, a stable macroeconomic environment is essential. I am hopeful that the national government is making progress in this direction, and I am confident that, at the provincial level, we are fostering a strong business climate," he concluded.
How do you assess the current macroeconomic landscape, and how does it benefit new investments?
I am optimistic. I believe the new administration has shifted the country's economic direction, but we cannot declare victory yet. The progress made so far is remarkable and rapid, but still in its early stages.
Lower inflation is a major achievement—recognized not only by investors but by society as a whole. However, it is a necessary but insufficient condition. Other structural factors require:
- Policy stability
- Strong governance
- Certainty in the short, medium, and long term
How can that certainty be built?
The political sector bears a great responsibility, and as governor, I take this role very seriously.
"It is crucial to support progress over perfection—there will always be countless excuses to delay action.
However, Argentina cannot afford to derail this attempt at economic transformation. We cannot lose more time. I look at the future with hope."
What are your expectations for investments in mining and energy?
The national government is encouraging private sector investment in electricity distribution and high-voltage grid expansion.
"We all share this goal, but it will not be a quick process."
To develop mining, we need connectivity. Major projects in San Juan, for example, urgently require expanded access to the power grid.
Projects like Genneia’s solar park, recently inaugurated as Mendoza’s first, are already contributing significant energy capacity to the province.
In fact, our installed capacity has nearly doubled compared to eight or nine years ago.
If Mendoza were not connected to the National Interconnected System, it would already be self-sufficient—something that was not the case before.
This is a major achievement, but further infrastructure expansion and connectivity remain pending.
Mendoza is advancing in electrical infrastructure. What concrete measures are being implemented?
The province is developing high-voltage transmission lines and other key energy infrastructure using its own resources.
We have already completed a transmission line in Cruz de Piedra and have five additional projects underway, all fully financed by the province—without private sector involvement or federal support.
We are investing in areas that do not generate immediate political returns, as they are not highly visible, yet they are fundamental for economic development.
"Without adequate energy supply and distribution, new projects simply cannot move forward."
Our approach is long-term thinking, ensuring that Mendoza has the infrastructure needed to sustain future growth.
How do you see the present and future of the mining sector in the region?
The gap between Argentina and Chile, despite sharing the Andean Cordillera, remains substantial.
We know we possess critical minerals that the world urgently needs—particularly copper and lithium.
Mendoza, in particular, holds significant copper reserves, a key resource for the global energy transition.
"Developing this sector will improve the quality of life for both Mendoza and Argentina as a whole."
We previously faced strong social opposition, but we have overcome these challenges swiftly and effectively.
A crucial step forward has been securing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals through legislation—offering investors an unprecedented level of legal security.
So far, we have approved 38 exploration projects for various minerals, primarily copper.
Additionally, iron mining has already entered its initial exploitation stages.
Mendoza also holds potassium reserves, with a pilot plant already in operation, which we expect to scale up into a full-scale operation in the near future.
What is the potential of Mendoza’s copper resources?
Currently, Mendoza has at least four copper exploration projects underway and one in the exploitation approval stage:
- San Jorge Cobre Mendocino, located near Uspallata, in the northern part of the province.
San Jorge has already initiated its environmental impact report, which will undergo public consultations with all relevant stakeholders.
If the project successfully advances through each regulatory stage, it could become Argentina’s fifth copper mine, following the existing operations in San Juan.
Although San Jorge is a smaller-scale project, it has the potential to begin producing copper ahead of San Juan’s larger ventures, provided it meets all required approvals.
What role can mining play in Argentina’s economic transformation?
Argentina has a path to follow, and mining represents a strategic opportunity in the current global context.
The demand for critical minerals is rising sharply, and it is evident that agriculture alone is not enough to sustain the country’s growth.
"In recent years, Vaca Muerta has played a key role, but it is not sufficient. Mining must become a fundamental pillar for sustained, long-term growth."
This is a sector that requires:
- Institutional stability
- Continuity and regulatory certainty
- Strategic agreements to thrive
The current conditions are favorable, but we must continue strengthening the business environment to ensure investor confidence.
What objectives is Mendoza bringing to this edition of PDAC?
We are here at the world’s most important mining convention, in Toronto, to demonstrate that we have delivered on our commitments.
Last year, we presented our plan, and we have achieved concrete progress:
- We passed a new Mining Procedures Code in the Legislature, with near-unanimous approval.
- We strengthened legal security for investors by legally formalizing Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) approvals.
"What we promised a year ago has now become a reality in Mendoza."
Additionally, 29 new projects are currently under review in the Malargüe Western Mining District, and we expect them to complete the legislative process and receive final approval by March or April.
