Construction and services company Milicic has begun a new chapter in its collaboration with the Veladero mine, located in the Iglesia department of San Juan province. This project, part of Phase 8A of the Leach Valley expansion, will require the participation of hundreds of workers and will last four months, from January to April.
By Panorama Minero
The initiative includes earthmoving, the installation of geosynthetics, and the placement of high-density polyethylene pipes. Iván Tropper, Milicic's Project Manager, highlighted that this is the third time the company has been tasked with installing geosynthetics at Veladero, a process that has allowed the company to "strengthen its expertise and optimize processes."
"Thanks to the experience gained, we can better organize tasks, train our own supervisors, and generate technical knowledge that enriches the company," Tropper explained.
Agustín García Zalazar, also a Project Manager, emphasized the challenges this phase presents: "With a peak of 500 workers on-site and logistics involving nearly 80 pieces of equipment, coordination is key to meeting the planned timelines."
The high-altitude environment adds further challenges, such as adverse weather conditions and demanding topography, requiring precise technical strategies to ensure safety and efficiency.
Additionally, Gonzalo Vidal from Human Resources highlighted that priority is given to hiring local workers from Jáchal, Iglesia, and other areas of San Juan, reinforcing Milicic's commitment to regional development. This approach also extends to suppliers, with the company fostering strategic alliances and dialogue tables to stimulate the local economy.
Veladero, operated by Barrick and Shandong Gold, is located 156 kilometers from Tudcum, at more than 4,000 meters above sea level. This setting introduces logistical complexities, requiring meticulous planning to minimize risks and delays.
