The 2026 Winter Operations Plan enabled the project to respond to a severe storm that brought nearly two metres of snow to Sombreros Camp.
By Panorama Minero
In the mining industry, advance planning for winter operations is a fundamental practice and a strategic pillar of safety and operational management. This is particularly true for projects such as El Pachón, located in the Calingasta Department of San Juan Province, a high-altitude area with a highly complex mountain environment where the winter season poses multiple challenges.
Heavy snowfall and severe storms characteristic of these environments create significant risks and, consequently, require comprehensive planning. This includes the development of robust protocols that are essential to safeguard people, ensure infrastructure integrity and protect critical assets, while strengthening the project’s resilience.
For this reason, at the end of the summer, Glencore Pachón activated its 2026 Winter Operations Plan, which established a special committee comprising representatives from various operational and support areas. The committee holds weekly meetings to monitor conditions and assess risks.
Through this committee, preventive measures were established, including continuous weather forecasting and ongoing assessments of road conditions, critical infrastructure and camps. The company also developed a resource management plan for potential emergencies, including reviews of fuel, water and food supplies, as well as the preparation of rescue equipment.
“The Winter Operations Plan enabled us to successfully respond to one of the most significant snowfall events recorded in the past 25 years, thanks to advance planning, coordination across multiple areas, resource preparedness, and the commitment of our employees, contractors and external agencies,” said Rodrigo Orlando, Site Manager at Glencore Pachón.
Currently, six pieces of road maintenance equipment remain operational at Pachón, totaling more than 1,200 machine hours per month, distributed across three work fronts operating continuously throughout the winter program. In addition, pickup trucks are equipped with satellite communications, while emergency equipment and a rescue brigade, together with medical services and ambulances, are available to support the various activities carried out during this period.
Response to the Severe Snowstorm
In mid-July, an exceptional weather event brought snow accumulations of nearly two metres at Sombreros Camp, where 40 people were staying at the time. The level of preparedness allowed key camp systems—including power generation, communications, water supply and medical services—to remain operational despite the extreme conditions, while fuel supplies and 15 days of food provisions remained available.
On that occasion, to further protect people and infrastructure, Glencore Pachón also activated a Level 2 Emergency Committee, which continuously monitored the situation. The company ultimately decided to carry out a preventive evacuation of the camp. At the time, more than 50 people, including employees and contractors, were working at the site. The operation lasted several hours and involved various pieces of equipment and support vehicles.
Currently, employees working on the El Pachón project are carrying out their duties at the Pampa del Indio offices, located 17 kilometres from Barreal, in Calingasta, and at the company’s offices in the city of San Juan.
Glencore Pachón’s planning, preparation and actions in the field before and during the winter demonstrate its ability to adapt and respond even under extreme weather conditions. With the winter season still underway, the Winter Operations Plan remains active, with continuous monitoring and high safety standards in place to protect people, facilities and the continuity of activities.
For further information, please contact:
Media
Verónica Morano
veronica.morano@glencore.com.ar
