Mendoza Opens Door to Copper Mining Boom with Approval of Cobre Mendocino Project

Argentina, despite significant copper resources, has not produced the metal since the Alumbrera mine closed in 2018.

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): Mendoza province has approved its first major mining initiative in more than 20 years, authorizing the environmental impact assessment for PSJ Cobre Mendocino, a joint venture between Switzerland’s Zonda Metals and Argentina’s Alberdi Energy. The decision enables the project to begin detailed feasibility studies after a prolonged review that included more than 13 years of research, a 10-day public hearing, and over 9,500 written comments. Project backers say more than 60 percent of participants supported the plan.

CEO Fabian Gregorio stated that the approval reflects a transparent, highly participatory process and noted that the next stage will involve technical evaluation and continued collaboration with local communities and institutions.

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Argentina, despite significant copper resources, has not produced the metal since the Alumbrera mine closed in 2018. The federal government is seeking to reenergize the sector through President Javier Milei’s RIGI investment incentive program, which has attracted developers such as McEwen Mining’s Los Azules project.

Situated in Uspallata in Las Heras, Cobre Mendocino is projected to operate for 16 years and produce 40,000 tonnes of copper concentrate annually. The $559-million plan is expected to generate about 3,900 construction jobs and roughly 2,400 operational roles.