en.Wedoany.com Reported - Catamarca Vice Governor Rubén Dusso spoke at the Federal Mining Panel themed "Mining as a Federal Challenge" during the 2026 Engineering Week organized by the Argentine Engineering Center in Buenos Aires. He stated that mining should be viewed as an economic activity capable of bringing infrastructure, connectivity, employment, and development for local small and medium-sized enterprises, while emphasizing that provinces should play a more active role in decisions related to the industry.
Dusso reviewed the evolution of mining activities in Catamarca, noting that next year will mark the 30th anniversary of lithium production at the Fénix project operated by Rio Tinto. He compared the current situation with that faced by the province in 2011, when mining was on "autopilot," lacking a clear resource management plan, and the public did not feel connected to the process. Through concrete actions, the situation has significantly improved, with a notable increase in public participation.
Regarding workforce training and supplier development, Dusso stated that the province has launched several initiatives to meet the mining industry's demand for skilled labor. He specifically mentioned a recent joint event with mining companies that attracted over 600 Catamarca suppliers.
Dusso also addressed the investment environment and support tools for early-stage projects, emphasizing the importance of advancing the New Investment Incentive Regime (RINI). This initiative, promoted jointly by several Argentine provinces, aims to complement existing frameworks and support exploration and early development activities. He pointed out that without exploration, there is no mining production, and Argentina still needs a more comprehensive understanding of its territorial potential to alleviate severe regional asymmetries.
In the energy sector, Dusso highlighted Catamarca's geothermal potential. According to him, the area between Antofagasta de la Sierra and Tinogasta contains over 250 volcanoes, and multiple studies have confirmed the geological conditions to support geothermal power projects. He believes that the integration of mining, energy, and infrastructure will be one of the key development challenges for the region in the coming years.
Dusso also emphasized the importance of interprovincial cooperation in strengthening regional development strategies, mentioning the Lithium Roundtable comprising Catamarca, Salta, and Jujuy, as well as the Copper Roundtable formed by Mendoza, San Juan, La Rioja, Catamarca, and Salta. He considers these forums helpful in coordinating common agendas and enhancing the provinces' voice in matters related to mining development.
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