Juan Pablo Perea, San Juan’s Minister of Mining, presented the 2025 management report, highlighting advances in transparency, investment, environmental control, territorial development, and education, with record figures for the province’s mining sector.
By Panorama Minero
In a year-end meeting with local journalists, the minister emphasized that one of the main pillars of mining policy was institutional modernization, with the historic transformation of the provincial mining system. In this context, San Juan moved away from a paper-based filing system —in place for more than 150 years— and adopted a comprehensive digital system, including an online mining cadastre and registry. According to Perea, this tool improves administrative efficiency, ensures public access to information, and aligns the province with international standards.
Perea also highlighted that San Juan transitioned from a formal adherence to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to an effective reporting framework, reinforcing investor confidence and positioning the province on equal footing with established mining jurisdictions worldwide.
Record investments and bidding
A key highlight of the minister’s report was the record number of mining bids in 2025, which generated investment commitments of over US$65 million. He also noted a significant reduction in administrative processing times, from procedures that used to take years to resolutions within a few months, without reducing regulatory controls or requirements.
In the latest bidding for the Del Carmen and Jagüelito areas, 12 companies participated, with Shandong Gold and Boroo (a Singaporean company) emerging as winners, setting a participation record and, according to the minister, “reinforcing confidence in the province.”
IPEEM: New Leadership and Headquarters
Perea also highlighted the renewal of the Provincial Institute of Mining Exploration and Exploitation (IPEEM), appointing Natalia Marchese as the first female president in the institution’s 30+ year history. The move is part of a policy to strengthen institutions and value women’s contribution to public management
Additionally, he announced that IPEEM will have its own headquarters for the first time, moving to the Olimpia building, where it will share space with other strategic provincial government areas.
Production, environmental control, and mining funds
The minister noted that Veladero remains a cornerstone of San Juan mining. Between January and October 2025, the mine produced over 414,000 ounces of gold and 337,000 ounces of silver, under a permanent environmental control system with continuous water monitoring and state supervision.
In environmental matters, Perea reported historic productivity levels in 2025: 45 Environmental Impact Declarations (DIA) issued, 125 final reports completed, 360 inspections conducted, and more than 870 water samples collected through CIPCAMI, supported by a mobile ISO-certified laboratory.
Regarding mining trust funds, Perea highlighted that, for the first time, they were fully invested in infrastructure projects —over ARS 20 billion in water, energy, roads, education, and connectivity— benefiting more than 70,000 San Juan residents.
Education, local development, and suppliers
The report also emphasized a strong social component. Through the Hybrid University Classrooms program, over 350 students from mining departments accessed university-level training, with an investment of ARS 372 million in 2025. The program is complemented by scholarships, technical training centers, and agreements with national and international universities.
Furthermore, together with the Ministry of Production, the Women + Miners program was launched, allowing over 120 local entrepreneurs and suppliers to access financing, training, and technical support, strengthening the provincial production network.
Finally, Perea stated that San Juan mining faces a promising outlook, especially in copper projects, and reaffirmed that sector growth “is only possible with human development, environmental control, and tangible benefits for communities.”
