Project Manager Gonzalo Montebelli details the technical status of the project, coordination between Salta and Catamarca, and Diablillos’ positioning in the global silver and gold market. With a projected processing capacity of 9,000 tonnes per day, an initial investment of US$80 million, new exploration properties, and a strong network of local suppliers, the company aims to transform a historic deposit into a competitive mining district in Northwest Argentina.
By Panorama Minero
The Diablillos project has just been incorporated into the RIGI. What concrete impact does this approval have on project planning and development timelines?
The concrete impact of this inclusion is the initiation of construction works once the Environmental Impact Statements from the provinces of Catamarca and Salta are in place, enabling the US$80 million investment over two years required to maintain RIGI status.
What is the current technical stage of the project and what are the main milestones expected for 2026?
The project is currently close to presenting a feasibility study and updated resource estimates, alongside the final stages of Environmental Impact Statement approvals in both provinces.
How is interprovincial coordination between Catamarca and Salta progressing, and what challenges arise from developing a project spanning both jurisdictions?
It is an interesting aspect, as strong coordination between both provinces and the willingness to cooperate in this area contribute to regional development and strengthen both the mining sector and interprovincial relations. For the project, it represents an exceptional level of oversight that enhances operational quality, as it is supervised by both jurisdictions, and each process contributes to improving the project.
From the company’s perspective, what production scale and potential mine life could the project reach?
The planned production scale is the processing of 9,000 tonnes of rock per day, resulting in a current pit life of approximately 16–17 years. With resource growth evaluations and the incorporation of future mining methods across different phases, production could extend close to 30 years.
AbraSilver recently announced the acquisition of new properties around the project. What role do these assets play in the future expansion strategy of the Diablillos district?
These are geological targets associated with the Diablillos mineral system. Clearly, consolidating these areas will increase the mine’s life and its future economic potential.
What is the company’s long-term vision for Diablillos within the NOA mining landscape?
The company is focused on exploration in Northwest Argentina, with the goal of developing more projects like Diablillos. We have a team with proven experience that has allowed us to reclassify a previously overlooked mine into a world-class project today.
In a context of growing global demand for metals, how does AbraSilver position Diablillos in the international silver and gold market, and what opportunities does it create for northern Argentina’s mining sector?
The opportunity in the NOA lies in demonstrating that a neglected project deserves a second chance. This has allowed us to triple its resources in less than five years, making it fully viable both technically and economically. This model can be replicated across many historic projects in the region.
Mining development in the Puna involves logistical and energy challenges. What are the main infrastructure variables affecting project competitiveness and what progress has been made to address them?
Like any development worldwide, it initially depends on energy availability. Other challenges are evaluated based on the natural conditions of the region. The key is to scale projects according to available resources, being mindful of natural constraints. In terms of logistics, there are currently excellent local service providers who understand how to operate safely under mining conditions, making this a strong sector within the industry.
Projects are ultimately built by communities and suppliers; mining companies act as the link to make it happen. Therefore, the added value of the resource is local and Argentine.
