Approval of the Environmental Impact Statement (DIA) for a new copper project in Mendoza It marked the return of large-scale metal mining after more than twenty years.
With an investment nearby $600 millionan estimated production of 40,000 tons per year With thousands of jobs at stake, the initiative opens a production cycle that has a full impact on the situation Logistics infrastructure provincial.
The post-approval analysis shows profound implications: the development of mining forces Mendoza to do so Strengthen runnersexpand and modernize operational capabilities Logistics system to maintain operations at 2,600 meters above sea level and near Uspallata.
According to Elizabeth López, a lawyer specializing in mining and environmental law, the approval of the project represents “a evolutionary process” for the province. He affirms that Mendoza “consolidates a perspective”. modern and transparent“, with clear rules that provide Legal certainty to the sector.
Elizabeth observes “a different social and political maturity” with a more educated population that understood that mining could be developed in one responsible and sustainable. For the specialist, the challenge is to persevere true informationCitizen access and permanent dialogue mechanisms.
The development of copper will make it possible to stimulate and expand the economy productive matrix and generate new things Value chains with different provincial sectors, creating a scenario with transversal impacts on economic activity.
The advance of mining forces the existing infrastructure to be strengthened. Mendoza has a strategic location in the biooceanic corridorsupported by a network of transport companies with experience in Industrial loads. For López, this base is key to keeping the activity running.
This is one of the most relevant projects Intermodal logistics pole of Luján de Cuyodeveloped to organize and improve truck traffic Intermodality. The 57-hectare property will integrate services for thousands of vehicles, control areas and an associated rail hub Belgrano is loading.
The enclave is located in the southern province Pata Mora It is planned as a strategic center for mining, energy and industrial services. Your master plan includes Industrial parkRoad improvements and an expanded energy network, reducing operational dependency Neuquen and will strengthen the regional logistics axis.
A more robust energy matrix is required for productive use. The advance of El Quemado photovoltaic parkWith an investment of $211 million and a capacity of 305 MW, it strengthens and contributes to the province’s power grid renewable energy on a large scale. For López, it is important to ensure this infrastructure Business continuity.
In road matters, Mendoza relies on national roads 7 and 40, axes that direct traffic there chiliin the north and south of the country. The RN7, converted into Highway In a large part of the provincial section, it facilitates the transport of heavy loads and shortens turnaround times.
Although the activity creates additional flow, its effect on blood flow is minimal. López estimates that they would participate alone eight trucks per day about the two thousand who already pass through Uspallata, a marginal number for those Road capacity current.
The final destination of the mineral depends on the purchasing markets. The operational routes take both into account Chilean ports of the Pacific – competitive for exports to Asia – as Argentine ports from the Atlantic, more convenient for supplying Europe or North America. The final decision depends on the logistics costs and the international demand.
Mendoza is entering a phase in which mining, logistics and infrastructure must develop in a coordinated manner. Thanks to road construction work, new service hubs and energy expansion, the province has better conditions for sustainable development than it did two decades ago competitive and sustainable.
For Elizabeth, the key is to maintain transparencyinstitutional articulation and sustainable planning: “Mendoza is building an ecosystem that integrates science, public sector, private sector and citizens. Mining can be integrated into this matrix if this is guaranteed.” reliable information and a long-term vision.”
The challenge will not only be to extract copper, but also to consolidate it InfrastructureServices and corridors that allow the activity to contribute in a stable way to the economic development of the province.
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