Mining: The Mendoza government plans an intense 2026 mining campaign in the southern part of the province.

The first ones Shantal mentioned regarding those that secured exploratory operations for the next season are El Burrero, Las Choicas and La Adriana , all three belonging to Geometales SA, part of the Pampa Energía Group.
For its part, " Cerro Amarillo is carrying out reprofiling analysis work, aimed at relocating some exploratory wells," the official explained, adding: "Meanwhile, the Canadian company Kobrea Exploration is emerging as the most advanced, with geophysical and geochemical studies on its El Perdido project , and with a projected investment for this exploratory campaign of close to 6 million dollars. The season is estimated to begin in November, depending on the end of the snowfalls that usually hinder access to exploration areas."
“Impulsa Mendoza Sostenible is another outstanding project. It has already completed the update of the environmental impact report for the Malargüe Western Mining District (MDMO) 1, and together with El Perdido, it has submitted documentation regarding road construction,” Shantal said.
For its part, Don Luis – El Diamante , owned by Amper Litio, recently expanded its mining rights from San Rafael to Malargüe, which required resubmitting the environmental impact documentation to the relevant agencies, delaying the assessment. “If all goes well, a public hearing will be held to incorporate the new information. If approved, progress could be made throughout the year,” he added.
Shantal also mentioned Argentina Potash 's projects in Malargüe, four initiatives that are currently finalizing their environmental impact assessment reports and could soon hold a public hearing. These initiatives are located west of Potasio Río Colorado , consolidating the region as a strategic mining hub.
Jerónimo Shantal

Regarding investments, the official explained that the first stage of the Pilares Plan , which includes four exploitation projects, Potasio Río Colorado and more than 100 exploration projects, could generate an annual OPEX of approximately $100 million in exploration alone , while the combined exploitation of all these projects could exceed $20 billion.
Shantal highlighted that two copper mines could begin operating in the next two or three years, the first in Argentina after the closure of Bajo la Lumbrera. Furthermore, the province has exploration operations for uranium, lithium, and rare earths , minerals that position Mendoza as a critical resource hub for the energy transition.
A concrete example is the PSJ Cobre Mendocino project, which plans an investment of more than $600 million and the creation of 3,900 direct and indirect jobs during construction, plus approximately 900 jobs during operation. "These initiatives not only generate investment, but also territorial development and employment," Shantal explained.
On the international level, Mendoza is closely monitoring the Peruvian model, particularly the experience of Tía María , highlighting the importance of the relationship with communities and academia. “Primarily, we are following Peru's example of the work it has done in communities and on important projects. Academia is very important, and we want to continue growing,” he noted.
Progress and number of projects in the provinceCurrently, Mendoza has 38 approved mining projects , which generate around 50 direct and indirect jobs per machine in the exploration phase . This figure reflects the province's consolidation as an attractive destination for mining investment.
Shantal highlighted how the province went from being categorized as "anti-mining" a decade ago to a trusted destination thanks to policies of transparency, sustainability, and legal certainty . "Today, Mendoza is positioned as a thriving province in mining. We have modified the regulatory framework to guarantee companies that institutions are respected and that the rules of the game remain unchanged," she stated.
The official concluded by noting that the energy transition requires critical minerals, and that "saying yes to mining means saying yes to sustainable development," summarizing the province's strategic vision.
Kobrea, the most advanced projectAmong the projects in the south of the province, Kobrea Exploration is leading the exploration effort with the El Perdido and Mantos de Cobre projects, located in Malargüe's MDMO I. As soon as weather conditions permit, the company will begin laying a 14-kilometer footprint to allow drilling equipment access to the site.
Mario Castelli, president of Kobrea Exploraciones Argentina, explained to Los Andes in late August that preliminary studies, including aerial magnetometry and initial prospecting, yielded encouraging data that could indicate the existence of a large porphyry copper deposit in El Perdido. However, he clarified that only drilling will be able to confirm the mineral's presence.
Shantal confirmed these developments and added that Kobrea holds mining rights in Malargüe that encompass between 12 and 14 copper porphyries , rock masses with mineral deposits scattered at a certain depth, differing from traditional veins, where the mineral is concentrated in a more homogeneous manner.
In addition, the company is awaiting approval of the second round of projects within the MDMO, which includes El Perdido and Cuprum , the latter with very interesting prospects. According to Castelli, Cuprum "is going to be a major revelation," consolidating the Canadian company as a key player in the upcoming mining campaign.
A promising horizon for Mendoza miningThe province of Mendoza faces the 2026 mining season with a positive outlook, driven by multi-million-dollar investments, exploratory projects, and clear policies that seek to attract companies while protecting the environment and legal security. The combination of copper, lithium, uranium, and rare earth projects strengthens Mendoza's role as a strategic hub for critical minerals in Argentina.
With its first copper mines after decades of absence and a robust exploration plan, the southern region of the province is emerging as an important mining hub in the western part of the country. International experience, rigorous planning, and a focus on sustainability are consolidating a sector that, according to Jerónimo Shantal, not only generates employment and economic development, but also aligns with sustainable development and energy transition goals. / CO
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