The project integrating Agua Rica with the Bajo la Alumbrera infrastructure submitted the EIR to Catamarca’s Ministry of Mining, marking a new step in the assessment process for its development.
By Panorama Minero
MARA submitted to Catamarca’s Ministry of Mining the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) corresponding to the exploitation stage of the project that integrates the Agua Rica deposit with the Bajo la Alumbrera infrastructure and is operated by Glencore.
The document brings together technical and environmental information developed from more than two decades of studies and previous operating experience in the area. The EIR describes the characteristics of the environment where the project will be developed, its socioeconomic and environmental impacts, and the management measures planned for the different stages of the operation, including closure.
The company indicated that the design incorporates criteria for prevention, resource management and continuous monitoring, together with technical solutions aimed at reducing the environmental footprint of the future development.
“The submission of MARA’s EIR is a key step in Glencore’s commitment to Argentina to develop a high-quality copper project that will help position us as a key player in Catamarca’s growth and support the ambition for Argentina to become one of the world’s leading copper producers,” said Martín Pérez de Solay, CEO of Glencore Argentina.
Planned Investment of US$4.5 Billion
MARA contemplates an investment of US$4.5 billion, according to the application for inclusion in the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) submitted in August 2025. During the construction stage, the project is expected to generate more than 2,000 jobs, with priority given to local workers and supplier companies.
Pérez de Solay also highlighted the work carried out together with provincial authorities. “The coordinated work with the Catamarca Government and its technical teams has been fundamental in reaching this milestone, and we are confident that this productive dialogue will continue as we coordinate efforts to ensure that this Project reaches its full potential and promotes local development,” he stated.
Bajo la Alumbrera as a Platform for MARA
In December 2025, Glencore confirmed the reactivation of operations at Bajo la Alumbrera, with production scheduled to begin in the second half of 2027. The existing infrastructure represents a central component of MARA’s development strategy.
The project combines the Agua Rica deposit with Bajo la Alumbrera’s processing facilities and associated infrastructure, an integration aimed at leveraging assets already existing in Catamarca.
The submission of the exploitation-stage EIR therefore represents another step forward in the process required for the development of MARA, against a backdrop of expected growth in global copper demand and the advancement of new copper projects in Argentina.
