Located in the Salta Puna, the copper-gold-molybdenum porphyry projects an open-pit operation with an initial capacity of 40 Mtpa, expandable to 60 Mtpa from the fifth year. The estimated mine life is 35 years, with proven and probable reserves of 1.99 billion tonnes.
By Panorama Minero
Canadian mining company First Quantum Minerals Ltd. announced the filing of a new Technical Report under Canadian NI 43-101 standards for its Taca Taca project in the province of Salta, with an assessment that consolidates it as one of the largest undeveloped copper assets globally, with projected average production of 291,000 tonnes of copper annually in the first ten years.
In macroeconomic terms, the study projects an after-tax NPV (8%) of US$5.917 billion, an internal rate of return of 19.3%, and total estimated capital investment of US$5.250 billion (including expansion).
These magnitudes place Taca Taca among the most relevant greenfield investments projected for Argentina in the coming decade, with the capacity to modify the export profile of the NOA region.
Bioceanic Corridor and Strategic Infrastructure for the NOA
The development includes works that go beyond the project’s perimeter and strengthen regional competitiveness, such as a new 122.5 km transmission line connected to the 345 kV Argentina–Chile system; the possibility of 100% renewable power supply; and a 5 km railway spur to connect with the Salta–Mejillones line, facilitating access to the Pacific Ocean.
This infrastructure package would position the Puna as a poly-metallic mining district of international scale, with logistical synergies for future projects.
Productive Linkages and Employment
The report emphasizes a development scheme generating 4,000 jobs during the construction stage and approximately 2,000 jobs during operation, prioritizing the participation of Salta-based suppliers and the strengthening of regional value chains.
The processing scale (up to 60 Mtpa) implies sustained demand for mining, energy, logistics and metal-mechanical goods and services for more than three decades, generating predictability for associated industrial investments.
Country Signal and RIGI
The company is advancing approval of the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and preparing its submission to the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI).
If the project moves to an investment decision, Salta could consolidate itself as one of the most relevant copper hubs in South America, expanding the national export base.
