The Province of Mendoza has initiated legal proceedings after the circulation of social media messages alleging radioactive contamination of drinking water in San Rafael, linked to the Sierra Pintada mining complex.
By Panorama Minero
The claims emerged following recent storms in southern Mendoza and suggested that radioactive material had been washed into the local water system. Some messages advised residents to avoid consuming tap water.
Provincial authorities stated that the information lacked technical basis and generated public concern during a period of extreme weather.
Two formal complaints were filed, one by the Ministry of Environment and Energy and another by the state-owned water utility AYSAM. The objective is for the judiciary to determine the origin of the content and assess potential legal responsibility.
Sierra Pintada Under Remediation, Not Production
Officials clarified that the Sierra Pintada complex is not currently in production but undergoing environmental remediation of historical liabilities. The site remains under ongoing monitoring by multiple agencies, including the Directorate of Environmental Oversight, the General Irrigation Department and Argentina’s National Atomic Energy Commission.
According to the provincial government, regular controls are conducted on surface and groundwater, reservoirs and surrounding areas, particularly during extreme weather events.
Governance and Mining Jurisdiction Context
The provincial administration framed the legal action as part of its broader regulatory oversight framework, emphasizing that while public debate is legitimate, the dissemination of unverified information that generates public alarm may carry legal consequences.
The episode unfolds within a broader context of renewed exploration interest in Mendoza, particularly in areas such as the Malargüe Western Mining District, as Argentina seeks to strengthen its positioning as a stable mining jurisdiction in South America.
