Glencore inaugurated two vehicular bridges over the Los Patos and Colorado rivers in Calingasta on June 10. The works required an investment of approximately US$15 million and are intended to ensure permanent connectivity to the area where the El Pachón mining project is being developed.
By Panorama Minero
The event was attended by Governor Marcelo Orrego, provincial officials, company executives, workers, and representatives of the Calingasta community.
The new bridges were built in reinforced concrete and replace crossings that had historically been affected by the climatic conditions of the high Andes. According to the company, the structures feature an eight-meter width for two-way traffic and are designed to support up to 75 tonnes per lane.
The bridge over the Los Patos River spans 50 meters, while the Colorado River bridge extends 25 meters.
During the ceremony, San Juan Governor Marcelo Orrego highlighted: “The most important thing is that a bridge is about connecting, bringing together, and linking culture, tourism, and production. San Juan has an extraordinary productive matrix, and we must be prepared for the opportunities of the new era. Within that matrix, mining plays a fundamental role because it accounts for 80% of San Juan’s exports.”
Representing Glencore, Country Manager Juan Donicelli stated: “The bridge represents Glencore’s commitment to San Juan’s long-term growth.” Construction began in July 2024 and was completed in January of this year. The company also reported that at the peak of construction, 120 workers participated in the project, 90% of whom were hired locally in Calingasta.
A New Core Shed for El Pachón
Following the bridge inauguration, authorities visited a new core storage facility built at the Pampa del Indio camp, located approximately 30 kilometers from the ceremony site.
The facility, covering 2,500 square meters, required an investment of more than US$2.5 million and will serve to preserve rock samples obtained during exploration campaigns carried out at El Pachón since 1969.
This material constitutes a key source of information for geological studies, feasibility analyses, and the preparation of environmental documentation related to the mining project.
The structure was built by the San Juan-based company Alade and, according to figures released during the inauguration, generated approximately 70 jobs.
With these works, Glencore continues to add infrastructure associated with the development of El Pachón, one of San Juan’s most significant copper projects, which is currently advancing through evaluation and planning stages for future production.
