Expo San Juan Minera 2024 will be the venue for the consolidation of the new Copper Task Force

Expo San Juan Minera 2024 will be the venue for the consolidation of the new Copper Task Force
Expo San Juan Minera 2024 will be the venue for the consolidation of the new Copper Task Force
Share:
The governors of San Juan, Salta, and Catamarca decided to form the Copper Task Force, composed of three of the provinces with the most advanced copper projects in the country. This decision was made within the framework of the intense agenda that officials maintained in Europe alongside the National Mining Secretariat.

At the proposal of Governor Marcelo Orrego, this new space will be formalized and consolidated from May 21 to 23 during the new edition of the San Juan International Mining Expo, organized by Panorama Minero since 2006. These three provinces currently have the most advanced copper projects, with San Juan hosting 5 of them.

The advanced copper projects have investment prospects exceeding US$30 billion for the next decade and exports of more than US$10 billion annually. These are world-class ventures that foresee strong job creation of over 100,000 positions, both direct and indirect, in the coming years.

In the case of San Juan, it leads exploration investments in Argentina and hosts 5 of the country's 8 most advanced projects.

"In this way, the province has the opportunity to capture a large part of that local growth, thus becoming a regional leader in copper production necessary to advance electromobility and energy transition," they reported.

The meeting was attended by the governors of San Juan, Marcelo Orrego, the Secretary of Mining of the Nation, Flavia Royón, the governors of Salta, Gustavo Sáenz, and Catamarca, Raúl Jalil, as well as the respective ministers and secretaries of Mining of each province.

Copper Task Force: the precedent
There is a previous Copper Task Force created in Argentina, but it is composed only of industry entrepreneurs. In 2023, within the framework of ARMINERA held in Buenos Aires, one of the country's most important national events that brings together the mining sector organized by the Argentine Chamber of Mining Entrepreneurs, companies from provinces with copper projects announced the formation of the Copper Task Force, a common space for debate and action based on global demand for the red metal arising from electromobility and energy transition.

Now, this space aims to promote copper development in the country at a strategic moment when Argentina does not have a mine in production after the case of “Bajo de la Alumbrera” in Catamarca, which ceased production in 2018.

San Juan, Catamarca, and Salta are the provinces represented in this task force through companies operating in projects such as Josemaría, MARA, Los Azules, Filo del Sol, El Pachón, Altar, and Taca Taca. "Just to give an idea of ​​the potential they represent, and if this project portfolio is realized, Argentina could position itself in the Top Ten of copper-producing countries worldwide."

"Today the world produces 25 million tons of copper, but by 2035, it is estimated that 50 million tons of the red metal will be needed, and the only way to meet that demand is by entering new projects," concluded the provincial government.

Published by: Panorama Minero

Category: News

Join our mining community!


Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive news, insights, and updates on the mining industry and Panorama Minero's latest initiatives.

Illustrative image for the article: Mining in Jujuy: Lithium Growth and Extended Operations at Chinchillas Silver Mine

Mining in Jujuy: Lithium Growth and Extended Operations at Chinchillas Silver Mine

In an interview with Jujuy's Secretary of Mining and Hydrocarbons, José Gómez, the 2024 mining outlook for the province was positive, highlighting Exar’s production of 25,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate, Rio Tinto’s acquisition of Arcadium Lithium, and the imminent extension of Chinchillas’ operational life.
Illustrative image for the article: Lithium: Argentina Lithium Reports New Exploration Results at Rincon West

Lithium: Argentina Lithium Reports New Exploration Results at Rincon West

Canadian company Argentina Lithium & Energy Corp, a member of the Grosso Group, has announced positive results from its fourteenth exploration well at the Rincon West Project, located in Salta Province. A total of 16 representative brine samples, collected in 2.5 to 3-meter intervals over a 225-meter section in well RW-DDH-14, recorded lithium concentrations ranging from 277 to 379 mg/l.
India Strengthens Its Interest in Argentine Mining with a Focus on Lithium and Strategic Cooperation

India Strengthens Its Interest in Argentine Mining with a Focus on Lithium and Strategic Cooperation

India's Secretary of Mining, V.L. Kantha Rao, visited Argentina and met with his Argentine counterpart, Luis Lucero, along with representatives from the national government and mining-active provinces. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, also included key industry business leaders and institutions. Bilateral relations between both countries have strengthened in recent years, driven by India's interest in investing in lithium, copper, and gold, as well as in the energy sector. Strategic cooperation aims to foster joint projects and explore opportunities for business, institutional, and scientific integration.
San Juan: Milicic Launches a New Development Phase at Veladero Mine

San Juan: Milicic Launches a New Development Phase at Veladero Mine

Construction and services company Milicic has begun a new chapter in its collaboration with the Veladero mine, located in the Iglesia department of San Juan province. This project, part of Phase 8A of the Leach Valley expansion, will involve 800 workers and will last for four months, from January to April.
Catamarca: YMAD Launches New Tender for Farallón Negro Mine

Catamarca: YMAD Launches New Tender for Farallón Negro Mine

The intergovernmental mining company YMAD has launched Public Tender No. 001/25 for the execution of ventilation shafts using the raise boring method at the Farallón Negro Mining and Industrial Complex, located in the Belén department of Catamarca province. The tender is aimed at companies specializing in underground mining technology as part of a key on-site infrastructure project.
NGEx Minerals Expands Exploration at Lunahuasi Following Outstanding Copper and Gold Intersections in San Juan

NGEx Minerals Expands Exploration at Lunahuasi Following Outstanding Copper and Gold Intersections in San Juan

Vancouver-based exploration company NGEx Minerals Ltd. has announced exceptional results from Phase 3 of its drilling program at the Lunahuasi project, located in the province of San Juan, Argentina. This high-grade copper, gold, and silver project is 100% owned by the company. The results have prompted an expansion of the drilling program to 25,000 meters, with two additional drill rigs to be added in February, bringing the total to eight rigs in operation.