The approval of the ninth update of the Environmental Impact Report (IIA) for the Bajo La Alumbrera project incorporated an additional component related to community infrastructure and healthcare strengthening. Through Resolution 628/2026, the Ministry of Mining of Catamarca established that YMAD and Minera Alumbrera Limited must make extraordinary contributions totaling AR$5.5 billion for corporate social responsibility projects within the project’s area of influence.
By Panorama Minero
The approved framework includes investments mainly focused on road infrastructure and hospital equipment for the departments historically linked to the mining operation.
According to the resolution, AR$5 billion will be allocated to the supply of materials and execution of works for the construction and improvement of ring roads in the cities of Andalgalá, Belén, and Santa María.
The execution of these works is part of the Framework Agreement for Community Investment Contributions signed between the Province and the company on March 5 of this year, with an implementation horizon projected between 2026 and 2027.
Public Health and Hospital Strengthening
In addition to the roadworks, the resolution establishes a specific contribution of AR$500 million that will be channeled through the provincial mining trust fund for the acquisition of two CT scanners intended for public hospitals in Andalgalá and Santa María.
The planned integration scheme establishes that 50% of the funds must be transferred before the restart of operations at the concentrator plant, projected for 2027, while the remaining percentage must be completed during the first year of operations.
The incorporation of medical equipment appears as one of the most socially impactful measures included within the new environmental declaration approved for the project.
Social Investment and Territorial License
The resolution also incorporates a series of obligations related to community development programs, employability, and the strengthening of local suppliers, under guidelines associated with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In this context, the Ministry of Mining established that the company must maintain corporate social responsibility programs linked to infrastructure, training, labor inclusion, community communication, and the development of regional economies.
The administrative act also requires the implementation of permanent communication strategies with communities within the project’s area of influence, through official communication channels, local media outlets, and periodic reports on activities carried out.
Joint Effort
A few days ago, the Government of Catamarca signed the agreement with Minera Alumbrera to formalize the contribution of funds to the provincial mining trust fund. The event was led by Governor Raúl Jalil, accompanied by Minister of Government Alberto Natella and the company’s Institutional Relations Manager, Pablo Lilljedahl.
The provincial government highlighted that “this type of agreement reflects a mining policy aimed at translating mining activity into concrete benefits for the community, especially in sensitive areas such as healthcare, connectivity, and regional development.”
