The Minister of Mining, Gabriel Gómez, and the Minister of Environment, Leandro Álvarez, discussed on May 18 a range of issues related to mining growth and environmental oversight in Jujuy during an appearance on Canal 7’s program Detrás de las Noticias.
The discussion centered on the recent approval of a new mining investment regime (RIGI) that will allow for significant expansion of production capacity in the province. Gómez said, “Yes, the news became known at the end of last week with the approval. We already have the environmental impact report to expand productive capacity. It would be the most important and largest plant in the country with an investment to increase production.” He also noted that local suppliers are expected to participate in upcoming projects: “In Jujuy there are good suppliers with construction experience, so we hope to quickly get another plant up and running.”
Addressing concerns about environmental impacts from these projects, Álvarez said all productive activity affects the environment but emphasized preventive measures: “All human activity affects the environment and precautionary measures must be taken so that this impact is as minimal as possible and remediation is carried out if necessary.” Gómez described how prior environmental studies work: “The environmental impact report sets out what impacts this new plant or operation growth will generate and how it will operate. The environmental management plan must be included; then both ministries evaluate it and make necessary corrections.” He added: “It already outlines what that management plan will be so that impacts are minimized with permanent mitigation measures.”
Álvarez highlighted international standards among major mining companies: “The companies coming here are large, listed on stock exchanges, and not even considering having an environmental problem. They take all necessary precautions; furthermore, the province ensures there is remediation after production ends.” He continued: “That remediation has a cost which must be included within the environmental impact study.”
Gómez provided details about current mining operations: “We have 29 active operations—9 salt flats, 2 quarries producing gravel or flagstone—and four alluvial gold operations,” he said. According to him more than 10 thousand people currently work directly or indirectly in mining.
On glacier protection laws restricting some areas from exploitation, both ministers clarified there are no mines near glaciers or periglacial zones in Jujuy now: “The glaciers here are debris glaciers—ice contained within rock—and currently there is no exploitation or exploration near those sectors,” they explained.
Álvarez also addressed illegal dumping problems by confirming video surveillance efforts against offenders throwing waste illegally: “We have videos; we’ll install cameras; we’ll show who dumps garbage… Throwing waste contaminates—and everyone pays for remediation because trucks, machines, personnel must clean up,” he said.
Both officials stressed collaboration with communities where mining takes place. Gómez stated: “I think it’s not about yes-or-no mining but how you do it—and how communities become protagonists.” Álvarez added his ministry works alongside companies and residents on recycling programs: “We’re developing a plant in Jama to serve communities and businesses—the idea is working together to avoid contamination.”
