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Milei Urges Mendoza Lawmakers to Approve San Jorge Copper Project

The push lands before a vote widely expected to pass, with environmental groups mobilized.

Overview

  • President Javier Milei used X to press for final approval of the PSJ Cobre Mendocino project and criticized kirchnerismo for opposing it.
  • Proponents cite an initial investment near $600 million, roughly 4,000 construction jobs, output of about 40,000 tonnes of copper concentrate per year, and a potential start of operations in 2028.
  • Legislative counts reported by local media suggest the government holds an advantage after a prior lower-house majority, though some Senate votes remain undecided and the PJ bloc opposes PSJ Cobre Mendocino.
  • Environmental organizations plan protests over risks they say include toxic reagents and possible contamination of the Río Mendoza, and authorities plan a special security operation around the Legislature.
  • Senators are also slated to vote on a DIA for Malargüe Distrito Minero Occidental II, creation of an Environmental Compensation Fund, and updated rules for mining royalties.