Following the latest meeting of the Federal Mining Board held at the Expo San Juan Minera, Salta’s Minister of Production and Mining, Ignacio Lupión, highlighted the collaborative climate achieved between the provinces and the national government to consolidate a common agenda focused on the development of mining activity.
By Panorama Minero
What conclusions emerged from the Federal Mining Board meeting and what outlook do you see for the industry and for Salta in particular?
The recent Federal Mining Board meeting produced a constructive outcome, with the participation of governors and representatives from the National Government. The presence of national and provincial authorities made it possible to advance a joint working agenda aimed at consolidating this coordination space for the development of mining activity in Argentina.
How do you view the present and near future of the mining industry in Salta?
The outlook for mining in Salta is very positive. Over the last year, mining activity consolidated itself as the province’s second-largest export sector, and during the first quarter of this year, gold and mining products moved into first place in terms of provincial exports.
Salta currently has 49 mining projects in different stages of exploration, development, and production, allowing for projections of sustained growth for the industry over the coming years.
What would be the economic impact if Taca Taca enters the construction phase?
Although there is not yet a definitive estimate of the economic impact, the project contemplates direct investments of approximately US$5.2 billion throughout its different stages of development.
Taca Taca has the potential to become one of Salta’s main economic drivers and generate a significant transformation in the province’s productive matrix. From the Ministry, we are working to facilitate investments within the current legal framework while also guaranteeing the corresponding controls.
This is complemented by the progress of other relevant projects, such as AbraSilver, which recently submitted an initiative linked to the RIGI framework worth more than US$600 million for the Diablillos project. All of this creates a highly favorable scenario for the province’s mining growth.
The mining sector often faces challenges related to competitiveness and infrastructure. What is the current situation in Salta?
One of the central pillars of the provincial administration is the development of infrastructure and logistics to support productive growth. Within this framework, the Bioceanic Corridor represents a strategic initiative for Salta and the entire region.
Likewise, the road network linked to mining activity—particularly the national routes connecting the northern part of the province with the Puna and the Sico Pass—requires permanent maintenance and improvement work. Weather conditions, especially during periods of heavy rainfall, generate significant deterioration on these routes.
In response, the province is working jointly with the National Government and the private sector to develop public-private coordination mechanisms. Currently, for example, a scheme is being promoted whereby an agribusiness company will carry out paving works on National Route 86 under a deferred tax compensation system.
These kinds of tools may become relevant cooperation models to support the province’s infrastructure needs.
What is the current outlook for Provincial Route 27?
Provincial Route 27 remains under maintenance works. In addition, companies linked to the mining sector are moving forward with the creation of a consortium specifically aimed at maintaining and improving this road.
Coordination between the public and private sectors appears as a central tool for guaranteeing adequate infrastructure in the face of the growth projected for mining activity in the province. In this sense, joint work between the Provincial Government, the National Government, and companies will be key to supporting Salta’s future development.
