Catamarca continues to implement changes across its mining institutions. In this context, Governor Raúl Jalil announced a new leadership structure at CAMYEN (Catamarca Minera y Energética), adding to recent changes at the Ministry of Mining and the board of YMAD (Yacimientos Mineros de Agua de Dionisio).
By Panorama Minero
Under the new appointments, engineer José Barrera was named president of CAMYEN, replacing Hugo Moya, while Gabriel Molina will serve as vice president. Barrera previously held the vice presidency, while Molina served as general manager. However, the main new development is the incorporation of Agustina Lencina as a board member.
The announcement was made during a working meeting between the provincial governor, authorities from the state owned company, and representatives of GyC Perforaciones, a company based in Andalgalá.
From the provincial Executive, officials emphasized that the changes seek to strengthen mining management and ensure continuity of the policies implemented in the sector. They also highlighted the work of former CAMYEN president Hugo Moya, describing his tenure as “excellent and highly satisfactory.”
Last week saw another significant change with the departure of Marcelo Murua from the Ministry of Mining, as he moved to join the board of YMAD, the interjurisdictional company now composed solely of the province of Catamarca and the National University of Tucumán, following the withdrawal of the national government from the board. Murua replaced Fernando Jalil, who returned to the presidency of the company.
Murua was succeeded at the Ministry by mining engineer Teresita Regalado, who had previously served as Secretary of Mining Development within the Ministry.
Support for small and medium scale producers
From the provincial Executive, officials explained that under the new leadership, CAMYEN is reinforcing its strategy of partnering with local business leaders to develop small and medium scale mining projects. The company makes land and mining projects available so that Catamarca based capital can participate directly in the activity, beyond the traditional role of service provision.
During the meeting with GyC Perforaciones, Governor Jalil invited the Andalgalá based entrepreneurs to join as investors in various mining ventures promoted by the province.
One of the company’s representatives expressed enthusiasm: “It is good news for us not only to provide services to mining, but now also to be part of it as investors. We are pleased and optimistic, and we will see how this develops over time.”
From the Government House, officials explained that provincial policy aims to strengthen small and medium scale mining, promoting local productive development, job creation, and the incorporation of Catamarca based capital into mining projects. This approach was outlined by Governor Raúl Jalil during Regalado’s swearing in ceremony.
On that occasion, the governor stated that one of the main objectives for the mining sector this year will be to support small and medium scale mining through credit lines provided by state entities. “We will support small and medium scale mining with credit and invite Catamarca and Argentine entrepreneurs. We are already visiting small projects that, given current mineral prices, can move forward,” he said.
CAMYEN: a bridge between investors and local projects
The Catamarca state owned company has consolidated its role as the main facilitator of foreign investment in the province’s mining sector, with companies from more than 10 countries currently operating in Catamarca. According to CAMYEN, this diversity of investor origins reflects international confidence in the province’s mining potential.
Within this framework, CAMYEN has developed a strategic plan for 2026 focused on adding value to a larger number of mining properties managed by the company. This plan was developed internally together with the company’s Geology Department, at a time when global demand for strategic minerals is driving long term investment.
