en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Chamber of Deputies of San Juan, Argentina (Cámara de Diputados de San Juan), has passed the Local Mining Development Law (Ley de Desarrollo Local Minero), which aims to establish a regulatory framework for large-scale mining projects, ensuring broader participation of workers, businesses, and communities. This is one of the significant initiatives in the province's mining sector.
After debate, the law was passed with 33 votes in favor and 2 against. It covers all stages of mining activities, including prospecting, exploration, construction, extraction, processing, sales, as well as mine closure and post-closure phases, aiming to translate expected mining growth into private sector employment, supplier development, and value creation within the province.
Key measures include: requiring mining companies and their main contractors to develop employment and local supplier development plans, setting progressive, measurable, and traceable targets. The law also promotes predictability, transparency, and competitiveness in procurement processes, enabling San Juan workers and businesses to benefit from mining opportunities. Additionally, it establishes a specialized local supplier registry, a monitoring mechanism to oversee compliance with corporate commitments, and an incentive program for companies that meet employment and procurement targets within the province, thereby strengthening the mining value chain.
During the project review phase, Deputy Andrés Castro, as the rapporteur, introduced the basic content of the law. Legislators Marisa López, Gustavo Deguer, Leopoldo Soler, Franco Aranda, Emilio Escudero, and others participated in the debate. Following general approval, the Chamber of Deputies adopted some amendments during the detailed review.
With this law, the province of San Juan gains a new tool aimed at generating greater economic impact from future projected investments in the region by hiring local labor, strengthening supplier networks, and promoting the sustainable development of mining-related communities.
