The Public Hearing for PSJ Cobre Mendocino concluded with a historic milestone: after 10 days of presentations, it became the public hearing with the highest participation in the history of mining in the Province, with more than 60% of speakers expressing support for the Project’s development.

This Monday marked the close of the Public Hearing for PSJ Cobre Mendocino, with 10 full days of testimony, the greatest participation ever recorded in the province’s mining sector, and with over 60% of participants speaking in favor of the Project.

The process brought together residents from across the Province, with a prominent role played by the Uspallata community, and with a broad plurality of perspectives and contributions.

Officially convened by the Government of Mendoza, the Hearing unfolded in two stages to guarantee broad citizen participation.

First, an in-person stage was held at Estancia Yalguaraz, featuring six days of oral presentations in a facility specially prepared to ensure comfort and participation, with climate-controlled tents, sanitary services, connectivity, hydration, and designated spaces for attendees, speakers, and technical teams.

Second, a virtual stage broadened accessibility and allowed citizens from different parts of Argentina to participate remotely, maintaining the atmosphere of respect, order, and plurality that characterized the entire process.

The full recording of the Public Hearing for PSJ Cobre Mendocino is available at: https://www.youtube.com/@ministerioenergiayambientemza

Citizen Participation and Active Listening

Throughout this participatory process, the PSJ Cobre Mendocino team was present to hear firsthand the community’s input: their concerns, hopes, demands, doubts, and proposals.

The Engagement and Communications team systematically recorded these contributions in order to address them, provide concrete responses, and continue building—together with the community—a more transparent, participatory, and responsible project.

Summary of Key Concerns

  • Environmental and water resource protection: The community requested guarantees for responsible water use, ensuring that consumption does not affect other uses and that water quality is preserved. There was interest in details regarding the flow of Arroyo El Tigre, the percentage of recirculation, and how community monitoring and independent audits will be implemented.

  • Reagents and mining process: Requests were made for more technical information on the mechanical flotation process with biodegradable reagents and protocols to prevent any type of contamination. Guarantees of compliance with Law 7722 were also requested.

  • Biodiversity: Concerns were expressed about potential impacts on flora and fauna, with calls for complementary studies and the involvement of external agencies and consultants to ensure independent evaluations.

  • Continuity and tangible benefits: Worries were raised about past mining projects in Mendoza that were never completed or abandoned, prompting calls for clear commitments to execution, responsible closure plans, and mechanisms to ensure long-term benefits for the community.

Summary of Key Contributions and Positive Assessments

  • Job creation and local training: The creation of genuine jobs for young people in Uspallata and other localities in Mendoza was highlighted, along with technical and vocational training programs linked to mining. Requests were made for prioritization of local labor, inclusion of entrepreneurs, and opportunities for individuals without prior experience. Active participation of women in the Project was also emphasized.

  • Territorial development: Many speakers underlined the Project’s potential to stimulate the local economy, generate productive linkages, and contribute to the diversification of Mendoza’s economic matrix. The potential development of key infrastructure—roads, connectivity, basic services—along with opportunities for local suppliers was especially valued.

  • Commitment to modern mining: Compliance with Law 7722, the use of mechanical flotation with biodegradable reagents, and adherence to international sustainability standards were praised. The proposals for participatory monitoring and public access to environmental information were also well received.

  • Conditional support: Many expressed their backing, but stressed that such support depends on strict fulfillment of commitments. Calls were made for transparency, effective environmental oversight, and the generation of tangible benefits for the local community, along with sustained social investment.

Recurring Cross-Cutting Themes

  • Active community involvement in environmental monitoring and operational oversight.

  • Maintaining permanent channels of dialogue and transparency.

  • Ensuring that economic and social benefits reach the local community.

  • Protection of Uspallata’s natural surroundings and environmental, social, and cultural heritage.

  • Compatibility of mining with other productive activities in the region.

The final balance of the Hearing reflects a plural, transparent, and representative process, where technical, social, and environmental arguments were heard in a democratic and participatory framework.

PSJ Cobre Mendocino reaffirms its commitment to active listening, respect for diverse opinions, and the strengthening of relationships with communities through concrete actions for local development, sustainability, and transparency.