During his annual State of the Province address, the governor of Mendoza held a copper ore rock in his hand and declared mining as the key engine for the province’s future development.
By Panorama Minero
Mendoza Governor Alfredo Cornejo stated that mining will be the driving force behind Mendoza’s progress in the coming years. He made this declaration during the Opening Session of the Provincial Legislature, where he delivered his annual management report.
In a powerful gesture, deviating from his prepared speech, Cornejo held up a rock containing copper mineral and said:
“We are committed to opening our province to progress, and mining will be the engine of that progress. A progress that respects water, protects the environment, and considers future generations. This resource can bring Mendoza the wealth it needs.”
The governor emphasized that mining development does not need to conflict with other traditional industries—specifically naming viticulture—and called for both sectors to be strengthened in tandem.
“We aim to bring the same level of prestige and environmental care we have shown with wine to this new resource—copper. We want to be recognized globally as major copper producers contributing to the planet’s environmental improvement.”
Cornejo further noted that Mendoza is advancing towards a modern, transparent, and sustainable mining model, supported by the implementation of a new Mining Procedure Code and the reinforcement of a renewed environmental authority for mining oversight.
He spotlighted the Western Mining District of Malargüe and announced that in a second development phase, 27 new projects are currently being processed and will be submitted to the Legislature in May. An additional 50 projects are expected to follow in a third phase.
Among the highlights, Cornejo pointed to the San Jorge – Cobre Mendocino Project, which could become Argentina’s first copper-producing operation, backed by an investment exceeding USD 550 million and the creation of 3,900 direct and indirect jobs. He also confirmed progress on the Potasio Río Colorado Project, whose pilot plant is scheduled to begin operations this year, aiming to supply the national market with this strategic input.
