In 2024, the Center for Research on the Prevention of Mining Industrial Environmental Pollution (CIPCAMI) demonstrated its commitment to environmental protection through 63 water quality monitoring commissions in the departments of Iglesia, Calingasta, and Jáchal, as well as in Ullum, Valle Fértil, and Sarmiento. These commissions facilitated the collection of 382 samples to ensure the quality of the province's water resources.
By Panorama Minero
Created to monitor the parameters of the guideline levels of Law 24.585 regarding mining activities and their environmental impact, CIPCAMI acts as a guardian of water, soil, and air quality, constantly monitoring these aspects for analysis in the provincial laboratory. In compliance with National Law No. 24.585 on Water Quality Guideline Levels, CIPCAMI conducts periodic monitoring of San Juan's water basins.
Since 2019, CIPCAMI has been providing services certified under ISO9001:2015, ensuring reliable sample collection and analysis results. Currently, CIPCAMI analyzes 121 monitoring points across the main basins and sub-basins of the province. Notably, 13 of these points are coordinated in collaboration with the Water Assembly, while others are located in the Gualcamayo, Veladero projects, and other basins. At each point, in situ physicochemical parameters such as pH, temperature, conductivity, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen are measured.
During the summer season, samples are not collected on rainy days to avoid alterations in results. Similarly, in winter, if the river is frozen, sample collection is postponed until conditions are suitable.
CIPCAMI's work is crucial in maintaining environmental balance in a province with intense mining activity. The data collected informs authorities and the community about the state of the water, enabling decisions to be made based on scientific and accurate information. This ongoing effort reflects CIPCAMI's commitment to sustainability and the protection of water resources.
