Governor Marcelo Orrego promotes San Juan’s mining potential at PDAC 2025 in Canada, highlighting investment opportunities, fiscal stability, and legal security while addressing challenges such as foreign exchange restrictions. His leadership in the Copper Roundtable and focus on mining underscore the sector’s importance for local growth and global mineral supply. Several key projects are primed for development in the province, reinforcing its strategic role in energy transition.
Marcelo Orrego, the Governor of San Juan, is actively pursuing investment opportunities in Canada by participating in various events including dinners and conferences, and visiting the Toronto Stock Exchange. He emphasized that Argentina, particularly San Juan, possesses all the necessary elements to attract mining investments.
This marks Orrego’s second convention participation as governor. During his initial visit in March 2024, he highlighted San Juan’s potential as a strategic minerals supplier, especially in light of the global energy transition. Orrego underscored the importance of legal security, fiscal stability, and social licenses while also addressing foreign exchange restrictions as a significant challenge.
The governor noted the collaborative efforts among mining province governors, particularly through his leadership role in the Copper Roundtable, focusing on enhancing the sector’s value. He emphasized the importance of clarity in issues concerning prospecting and exploration, indicating that 57% of Argentina’s mining complexes need exploration, many of which are located in San Juan.
Orrego conveyed a clear message regarding investment in mining amidst Argentina’s economic climate, stating that despite challenges, Argentina is well-equipped to attract investments. The province has made strides in legal security and fiscal stability through improvements to the Mining Investment Law.
Addressing the challenges towards investment conditions, the governor acknowledged the need for gradual reforms in the foreign exchange system despite recent improvements at both the national and provincial levels. He affirmed that fiscal stability is in place to support mining activities.
He identified three key drivers of economic growth for Argentina: Vaca Muerta, agriculture, and mining, asserting that mining should always remain a central focus. Orrego expressed hope that Mendoza would fully engage in leveraging Argentina’s mining potential.
The significance of mining to San Juan was reiterated, as it accounts for 80% of the province’s exports and provides vital employment opportunities. Moreover, the governor noted that new mining projects would enhance living conditions for local communities.
Several significant mining projects are set to commence operations in San Juan, including those under Vicuña Corp. and the Los Azules project, which has gained investor trust through applications for the Large Investment Incentive Regime, indicating a bright future for the mining sector in San Juan.
In summary, Governor Marcelo Orrego is dedicated to fostering mining investment in San Juan, highlighting the region’s competitive advantages including legal and fiscal frameworks. While challenges, such as foreign exchange restrictions, persist, the governor remains optimistic about San Juan’s mining future and its role in providing critical minerals for the global energy transition. The province’s collaborative initiatives and strategic projects underscore its commitment to becoming a mining powerhouse.
Original Source: www.panorama-minero.com
