McEwen Copper Inc., a subsidiary of McEwen Mining Inc., has obtained approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Los Azules copper project. The Environmental Impact Declaration (DIA), issued by the Ministry of Mining of the Province of San Juan, marks a crucial step toward the project's feasibility, construction, and future operation.
By Panorama Minero
Tomorrow, at the annual industry event organized by Panorama Minero, McEwen will officially announce the granting of the DIA during a ceremony attended by key sector representatives.
A Strategic Endorsement
This approval aligns with San Juan Province’s interest in developing copper projects, a sector in which the region demonstrates significant potential, hosting five of the country’s eight megaprojects. “The approval is the result of a rigorous process initiated in April 2023, when the company submitted the required documentation. This was prepared by Knight Piesold, an international engineering and consulting firm, in collaboration with 22 local specialists,” they stated.
The Ministry of Mining, along with 14 public and private institutions forming the Evaluation Committee, reviewed over 3,000 pages of technical documentation, supplemented by a public consultation and an on-site visit to the project location. “This thorough process ensures that the development aligns with the highest standards of environmental sustainability,” the company noted.
A Collaborative Effort
“The approval of the DIA reflects the joint efforts of internal teams and specialized consultants. The company expresses its gratitude to all individuals and institutions involved in achieving this milestone, which lays the foundation for a responsible and technically robust development of the project,” they said in a statement issued Tuesday.
Robert McEwen, CEO and founder of McEwen Mining, emphasized: “Our commitment to modern, sustainable, and regenerative mining practices is evident in the studies and permits we have developed for Los Azules. We will continue this work with the upcoming definitive feasibility study and extend our gratitude to all institutions that contributed to obtaining this important permit.”
Michael Meding, Vice President and General Manager of McEwen Copper, highlighted that this achievement strengthens the transformative potential of Los Azules for the province and Argentina’s mining industry. He underscored that sustainability and community engagement will remain central pillars in the project’s development.
Next Steps
With environmental approval secured, the project is now advancing toward the publication of a definitive feasibility study, scheduled for the first half of 2025. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, positioning McEwen Copper as a leader in sustainable mining and a key driver of economic and social development in San Juan.
