Organized by the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Production, Industry and Commerce, the event aimed to showcase the existing ties as well as future opportunities between the province of San Juan and the world’s second-largest economy. Mining and technological innovations were key highlights of China Day.
By Panorama Minero
On Wednesday, September 17, the annex of the Legislature served as the venue for China Day, a day-long event aimed at showcasing not only the current relationship but, more importantly, the future prospects for economic and technological exchange between San Juan and the Asian giant.
During the opening ceremony, Argentina's Ambassador to China, Marcelo Suárez Salvia, stated: "China is the world’s second-largest economy and one of Argentina’s most important trading partners. Our economies are complementary: Argentina has a unique wealth of natural resources, especially in key sectors such as mining, food, and energy, while China is a manufacturing and technological giant, as well as the largest consumer of many of our products." The ambassador emphasized the complementarity "on which we can build a stronger, more balanced, and mutually beneficial trade relationship. To truly take advantage of the potential China represents in commercial terms, we must reduce the trade deficit."
Representing the Ministry of Production of San Juan, Industry Secretary Alejandro Martín noted that San Juan has already received some Chinese investment, particularly highlighting Shandong Gold’s 50% stake in the Veladero mine. "We believe there is still a long way to go. There are some smaller Chinese investments in trade operators, but we want San Juan to be more present and actively selling in the Chinese market." He pointed to olive oil as a product with strong potential, "as well as others that could grow, such as concentrated grape must, wine, and pistachios. China has the second-largest population in the world, and we are food producers—we must have a presence there."
From the Argentine-Chinese Chamber of Production, Industry and Commerce, its President, Sergio Spadone, stated: "China is a global player that is already present everywhere. It is a country of mega cities, with more than 100 cities with over one million inhabitants," highlighting the rapidly growing middle class: "China’s middle class has grown eightfold in the past 12 years. It now includes over 700 million people, with consumption patterns increasingly resembling those of international consumers. It’s not that China is westernizing or adopting Western habits or products—they have matured as consumers." In the mining sector, he added: "China consumes half of the world’s copper, steel, and cement. With the ongoing transition toward electro mobility, current copper production projects won’t be enough. This is yet another reason for San Juan and Argentina to deepen their global ties, and also a way for us to help rebalance the historically negative trade balance we have with China."
Mining Panel
Moderated by Juan Sonoda—Managing Partner at the law firm Beretta Godoy—and featuring Lucila Lasry (Manager of Community and Institutional Relations at Minera Exar), Marcelo Álvarez (Executive Director of Government Affairs for Barrick South America), and Lucas Estrada (President of the Provincial Energy Company of San Juan, EPSE), the panel focused on responsible mining, ESG standards, and strategic ties with China.
Lucila Lasry opened with an overview of Minera Exar, Argentina’s leading lithium carbonate producer, a joint venture between Lithium Argentina and Chinese company Ganfeng Lithium. Located in the Puna region of Jujuy, the operation showcases daily technological integration: "Artificial intelligence and technology are embedded in all our processes, helping us improve efficiency in the use of resources every day, and thus reduce production costs as well," she said. Lasry also highlighted the company’s energy use: "Over 96% of the plant’s energy consumption comes from renewable sources, including solar energy—part of which is supplied by the nearby Cauchari Olaroz solar park, a project developed with Chinese investment."
From EPSE, San Juan’s state-owned energy company, Lucas Estrada discussed the province’s growing relationship with China, which has deepened over the years: "San Juan installed its first solar park in 2011—it was the first grid-connected solar facility in Latin America—and even then, the solar panels were supplied by China. The electromechanical components featured strong German technology. Since then, we’ve built several more parks, and today, 100% of the technology is sourced from China," he said. "We also have a project to manufacture solar panels locally here in San Juan. Today, we’ve modernized the production line, and 70% of that technology also comes from China."
Marcelo Álvarez spoke about Barrick’s partnership with the Chinese company Shandong Gold: "It was crucial at a key moment in Veladero’s operational life, enabling its continued operation and extension. It also marked a turning point in terms of overcoming barriers and raising standards—especially in technology and environmental management," he noted. "Once we were able to build the power line, we began to incorporate much more technology. Technology is the star, and San Juan’s thinking needs to move in that direction. If we want to develop technology, we cannot do it without strong energy capacity." Álvarez emphasized the importance of strengthening strategic dialogue and enhancing partnerships with key technology providers: "From there, we can position ourselves as a player that allows other sectors of San Juan’s economy to grow through this strategic alliance, leveraging mining as a primary industry."
