The province of Salta will host a technical and scientific meeting and joint inspection regarding the Taca Taca Project, one of Argentina's eight major copper initiatives. Various departments within the Ministry of Production and Sustainable Development, together with the Argentine Geological and Mining Service (SEGEMAR), will assess the project's Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA), while also conducting on-site oversight and monitoring activities.
By Panorama Minero
During a recent meeting held at the Government House, led by the Minister of Production and Sustainable Development, Martín de los Ríos, alongside representatives from First Quantum Minerals, including Operations Director Matt Pascal and Finance and Administration Manager Germán Pérez, the groundwork for the project's initial phase was laid out. The objective of the meeting was to coordinate technical actions to be undertaken by SEGEMAR and various provincial agencies, such as the Secretariats of Environment, Water Resources, and Mining.
The planned activities include technical meetings and site inspections, focusing on reviewing the ESIA and monitoring the three phases of the project. Romina Sassarini, Secretary of Mining and Energy, emphasized the significance of this comprehensive inspection, highlighting SEGEMAR’s critical role in ensuring a thorough and accurate technical evaluation.
A key element of these activities will be a technical visit to the Taca Taca site by a delegation from SEGEMAR alongside provincial teams. This on-site inspection will verify the technical aspects previously discussed and will be instrumental in confirming the project’s progress.
During the meeting, Matt Pascal underscored the transformative impact Taca Taca will have on the local economy, stating, “Salta will not be the same once the project is operational.” The operation will not only boost the local supply chain but also play a crucial role in the region’s economic development.
Germán Pérez, meanwhile, provided details on the logistical and infrastructure considerations being factored into the project’s planning. These include air, electrical, and road transport networks, as well as ongoing negotiations with various railway companies, such as the Antofagasta-Bolivia Railway (FCAB), Pacific Railway (Fepasa), Belgrano Cargas, and Ferronor, to facilitate exports through the Port of Mejillones.
Additionally, the critical role of the Incentive Regime for Major Investments (RIGI) in the feasibility of Taca Taca was highlighted. This regime has been pivotal in securing key investments and developing essential infrastructure, not only for Taca Taca but also for other large-scale mining projects that will strengthen the local economy and promote the productive development of the province.
Taca Taca: A Transformative Project for Salta
With an estimated investment exceeding US$3.5 billion, the Taca Taca Project spans 2,500 hectares in the Los Andes Department. It is expected to create over 4,000 indirect jobs during the construction phase and 2,800 direct jobs during its operational phase. The project's commencement, scheduled for 2025, is poised to significantly boost Salta’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and solidify the province's position as a key player in the global copper market.
This ambitious project not only promises to reshape the provincial economy but also to position Salta on the map of the world’s leading copper producers, a critical resource for global technological and energy development.
