El Pachón, Glencore's copper project in the province of San Juan, has completed its 2025–2026 exploration campaign with advances in exploration, infrastructure and operational development, marking another step in the technical work required to support the project's future development.
By Panorama Minero
During the campaign, the company completed 21,246 metres of drilling across 53 drill holes, supporting key geophysical, geotechnical, hydrogeological and magnetometric studies required for the ongoing geological modelling of the deposit.
The campaign also generated significant local employment. The geology team consisted of 60 professionals, evenly split between direct employees and San Juan-based professionals hired specifically for the campaign. At peak activity, more than 600 people from San Juan and nearby communities were employed through contractors and supplier companies working on the project.
Among the main infrastructure milestones was the completion of the Colorado and Los Patos river bridges, a US$15 million investment that reached a peak workforce of 120 direct employees, 90% of whom were from Calingasta Department, according to the company.
The project also recorded three million hours worked without lost-time injuries or environmental incidents, while improvements were completed at the Pachón and Carnicería camps, including expanded accommodation modules, the installation of solar-powered lighting and new healthcare facilities for workers.
In terms of local economic impact, Glencore reported that during 2025 it allocated US$44.5 million to purchases and services from San Juan-based companies, with 31% awarded to suppliers and contractors from Calingasta. The company also invested approximately ARS 500 million in education, training, institutional strengthening and community development programs.
El Pachón is an advanced-stage copper and molybdenum project located in Calingasta Department, San Juan Province. According to the company, once in operation it is expected to produce an average of 360,000 tonnes of copper in concentrate annually during its first ten years of operation.
