This Glencore Pachón program has already benefited more than 60 entrepreneurs in the region and has involved an investment of over $75 million in the past three years.
By Panorama Minero
In the Calingasta Valley, in the town of Tamberías, a young farmer is writing a new chapter for San Juan: Francisco Castillo is the first and only local from San Juan to grow peanuts in this region. His venture is not only an agricultural novelty, but also a symbol of innovation, commitment to the land, and hope for local development.
Francisco is 26 years old and has always lived in Tamberías. The son of a farming family, he has been connected to working the land since childhood, although his path has not been a straight one. After finishing high school, he began studying law, a degree he abandoned in 2020 after an accident. It was then that he decided to fully devote himself to entrepreneurship, following his family’s spirit. For years, he worked alongside his parents and siblings in brick production and sales—a trade that took them all over the region.
The idea of growing peanuts came about almost by chance. During a casual conversation with a friend from Chaco, Francisco—always curious and driven by the urge to create something new—saw it as a unique opportunity: “What attracted me was that no one else was doing it in San Juan. I liked the idea of innovating.”
With seeds brought from Chaco, he planted his first rows on a family farm. From that moment on, he entered a phase of experimentation, learning, and adaptation to the Calingasta climate.
For several years, Francisco and his family focused on experimenting without selling their product. It wasn’t until 2025 that they began offering roasted peanuts to individuals, local shops, and at community events. They currently cultivate one hectare, but they already have plans to expand and lease more land. Their goal is clear: to create jobs for more people in Calingasta.
Turning point
The support of the Glencore Pachón Entrepreneurial Boost Fund Program, which Francisco joined in 2024, proved to be a major turning point. It allowed him to acquire key equipment, such as an engine to improve the peanut roasting process and two tempering machines to develop value-added products like praline and chocolate-covered peanuts. He also gained access to a comprehensive mentorship and training process. Thanks to this experience, Francisco not only optimized his production but also began to professionalize his business model, gaining the tools to plan for the long term.
This Glencore Pachón program has already benefited more than 60 entrepreneurs in the region and has involved an investment of over $75 million in the past three years. Its goal is to strengthen the social and economic fabric of Calingasta by supporting entrepreneurship through a combination of funding, training, and personalized guidance.
Francisco knows his story is unusual, but also an example: “I always wanted to stay in my hometown, to bet on something of my own, to create jobs, to build something great from Calingasta.” His focus is on the future: continuing to innovate, adding new varieties, and positioning Calingasta peanuts as a distinctive product of San Juan.
His project showcases the productive potential of the province’s interior when passion, support, and the will to act come together. “To other young people, I would say: dare to try, experiment, innovate. There are always opportunities if you go after them,” he concludes.
For more information, please contact:
Media contact
María Eugenia Basualdo
M +264 6622627
maria.basualdo@glencore. com.ar
Note to editors
El Pachón is a copper and molybdenum deposit located in the Calingasta department, San Juan province, Argentina. It is situated at 3,600 meters above sea level, 5 kilometers from the international border with Chile. The deposit is 100% owned by Glencore.
