Minera Escondida: A Look inside the World’s Largest Copper Producer
Panorama Minero toured an operation that produces 5% of the world’s copper and has transformed the development of Antofagasta.
Panorama Minero toured an operation that produces 5% of the world’s copper and has transformed the development of Antofagasta.

After several days of extraordinary weather conditions, the mine successfully completed the descent of 950 workers and the arrival of another 760. The operation was carried out after the access road was reopened, with a special deployment of crews and heavy equipment in the high Andes.

Vanesa Fernández, Exploration Director at NOA Lithium, explains how the company is leveraging the experience gained at Río Grande to accelerate the advancement of Arizaro and Salinas Grandes.

The Catamarca Legislature is moving forward with the conversion of state-owned CAMYEN from a State-Owned Company into a Single-Shareholder Corporation. The company will be able to commercialize its portfolio of more than 450 mining properties.

CAME’s Gas, Oil and Mining Sector Coordinator, Dino Minozzi, explains how the organization will act as a bridge to help Argentine SMEs participate in major energy and mining projects. Through financing, training and quality certifications, CAME seeks to expand the value chain across the country and strengthen the development of local suppliers.

A new competition launched by Mendoza’s Mining Directorate invites students to produce content on electronic waste and the circular economy. The initiative uses urban mining as a starting point to explain that minerals are part of everyday life and can be recovered once an electronic device reaches the end of its useful life.

The Government of San Juan and Vicuña have signed an agreement under which the company will make an advance contribution of US$250 million to finance infrastructure projects across the province, several years before the mining project begins production.
Subscribe to our newsletter for exclusive news, insights, and updates on the mining industry and Panorama Minero's latest initiatives.

On August 5, the company and the Government of San Juan signed an agreement that consolidates the commitments established under the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), stabilizes the provincial royalty framework, and includes an advance contribution of US$250 million for infrastructure projects.

The Cauchari-Olaroz lithium brine operation, developed through Minera Exar S.A., has completed the closing of US$220 million in new unsecured debt facilities, further strengthening its financial position and expanding its financing flexibility as it continues advancing Stage 2, the expansion project designed to increase production capacity by an additional 45,000 tonnes per year of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE).

The agreement includes an initial project generation phase funded by BHP Metals Exploration, with the option to advance up to four projects through individual earn-in agreements. The partnership follows Kobrea's completion of the most advanced exploration campaign carried out to date within MDMO.

On Argentina's National Steel Industry Day, Grupo Calidra explores how the evolution of key industries is reshaping steel production and why high-quality lime has become more critical than ever.

The Ministry of Economy has approved the inclusion of the integrated Josemaría–Filo del Sol project under Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI). The initiative encompasses the development of a copper, gold and silver operation together with the infrastructure required to support it.

A severe snowstorm at Balcón Del Pissis left more than 200 tourists stranded in the Catamarca Andes. Zijin-Liex contributed more than 50 mining workers, heavy equipment, and the Tres Quebradas camp to support the rescue operation.

After obtaining the Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity granted by ENReGE, the company will move forward with a series of projects that will strengthen the provincial electrical system, at no cost to users.

José Cepeda, CEO of Minera Sud Argentina S.A., discusses the technical progress of the Chita Valley Project in San Juan Province.

The "Impulsando el Conocimiento" (Driving Knowledge) program accounted for 27% of Impulsa Mendoza's operating expenditure in 2025, representing an investment of approximately ARS 904 million. The recent completion of the application process for university diploma scholarships and the launch of three new free online courses highlight the company's commitment to developing the technical skills needed to support the growth of Mendoza's mining industry.

The Canadian company, one of the world's leading copper producers, is already conducting exploration activities in San Juan and has now initiated an institutional engagement with Mendoza. The visit provided an opportunity to assess the province's geological potential, regulatory framework and infrastructure as Mendoza continues to promote renewed metallic mineral exploration.

The company has surpassed 60 kilograms of self-produced gold per month, while advancing exploration projects and evaluating energy initiatives to support its long-term growth.

Provincial mining authorities outlined a modernization strategy that includes real-time monitoring and a risk-based oversight approach tailored to the scale of each operation. As San Juan prepares for a new era of large-scale mining, the initiative aims to enhance safety, environmental compliance and inspection efficiency through advanced technology.

The company has initiated targeted air transfers for prioritized personnel while production activities remain suspended as a precautionary measure.

The company increased first-half lithium production by 53%, brought Fénix 1B and Sal de Vida into production ahead of schedule, and continues ramping up Rincón, the first mining project approved under Argentina's RIGI investment incentive regime.

The company confirmed that all employees and contractors stranded by severe weather in Antofagasta de la Sierra were safely rescued and are out of danger.

India's leading state-controlled mining company met with provincial authorities to learn about Mendoza's copper projects, Malargüe Western Mining District (MDMO) and the province's mining development strategy. The visit comes amid growing international interest in Mendoza's emerging copper sector.

Leonardo Viglione, PwC Argentina Partner and Mining Industry Leader, discusses the findings of the Mine 2026 report.

Achieving that scenario will require maintaining competitiveness, attracting investment and consolidating a predictable regulatory environment, according to CAEM Chief Economist Nadav Rajzman.