A severe snowstorm in the Catamarca Andes, specifically in the Balcón Del Pissis area, left more than 200 tourists and visitors stranded under extreme weather conditions. In response to the emergency, Zijin-Liex, the mining company operating the Tres Quebradas (3Q) Lithium Project, joined the rescue and assistance operation coordinated by provincial and municipal authorities, security forces, emergency response teams, and firefighters.
By Panorama Minero
Balcón Del Pissis, located in the Andean region of Tinogasta Department, is a high-altitude tourist destination situated at elevations exceeding 4,000 metres above sea level. During the storm, extremely low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and adverse weather conditions blocked access roads, leaving tourists stranded while attempting to reach the site.
Camp Served as a Strategic Emergency Shelter
One of the main support points for the operation was the Tres Quebradas (3Q) Lithium Project camp, where Zijin-Liex provided shelter and assistance to 39 people, including men, women, and children, during the most severe weather conditions.
The evacuees received medical care, food, drinking water, warm clothing, safe accommodation, and continuous support, providing reassurance during a period of considerable uncertainty. The company also supplied oxygen, emergency food reserves, coal for heating, insulated jackets, and other critical emergency supplies.
Equipment and Personnel Deployed
During the operation, Zijin-Liex deployed more than 50 specialized mining workers, over 10 pieces of heavy equipment—including excavators, bulldozers, and trucks—and a wide range of logistical resources. From the early stages of the emergency, company personnel worked alongside authorities and emergency agencies to clear snow, reopen and clean access roads, assist stranded vehicles, and support rescue efforts across different areas of the mountain range.
Successful Evacuation and Recognition from Tourists
Once weather conditions improved and access routes were reopened, the 39 tourists sheltered at the camp were safely evacuated to the city of Fiambalá, bringing the rescue operation to a successful conclusion.
The rescued tourists expressed their gratitude in a letter addressed to Zijin-Liex, highlighting the dedication of the mining workers, healthcare professionals, and employees who participated in the operation.
"We will never forget the effort, the warmth, and the dedication with which we were welcomed and cared for. Thank you for being there when we needed you the most," they wrote.
Public-Private Coordination and Future Improvements
Following the rescue operation, Governor Raúl Jalil met with representatives of Zijin-Liex to personally thank them for their active participation.
Through his social media channels, Jalil emphasized that "when it comes to protecting our people and those who visit us, rapid coordination and joint efforts between the public and private sectors save lives." During the meeting, both parties agreed to work together on modifying the alignment of the road leading to Balcón Del Pissis, with the aim of providing safer access better suited to high-altitude conditions.
Access to Balcón Del Pissis remains closed while weather conditions continue to be assessed. Authorities have maintained an orange weather alert due to adverse conditions in the Fiambalá mountain region.
The provincial government described the rescue effort as "historic," recognizing the coordinated work carried out by the mining company, provincial and municipal agencies, security forces, emergency response teams, healthcare personnel, mountain guides, and tourism operators to ensure public safety and restore access to the affected areas.
