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Mendoza Senate Set to Vote on San Jorge Copper Mine After Milei’s Endorsement

Presidential backing has turned the provincial decision into a test of Mendoza’s mining policy.

Overview

  • Provincial senators are scheduled to decide a four-bill package that includes the environmental impact declaration for PSJ Cobre Mendocino, the Malargüe DMO II DIA, creation of an environmental compensation fund, and new mining royalties rules.
  • President Javier Milei urged approval on social media and framed mining as a key growth engine, with Patricia Bullrich and provincial officials echoing support.
  • The Peronist interblock and the Green Party said they will oppose the San Jorge environmental clearance, and some La Unión Mendocina votes remain uncertain, leaving a tighter arithmetic than in Diputados.
  • Environmental groups advanced the “Gesta Libertadora por el Agua” caravan toward the capital to press for rejection, warning about water risks for the Río Mendoza.
  • Authorities prepared reinforced security around the Legislature as supporters tout a US$600 million investment redesigned after a 2011 rejection to produce about 40,000 tonnes of copper concentrate annually with a potential start-up around 2028.