en.Wedoany.com Reported - In July 2026, the MARA Copper-Gold Project in Argentina announced the official launch of ecological restoration works in the Campo Grande area near Andalgalá, Catamarca Province, following the completion of technical studies required by provincial authorities. The restoration plan is implemented in two phases, with an estimated duration of 4 to 5 months, and is scheduled for completion before the regional rainy season to avoid delays caused by difficult site access due to rainfall.
Located in Catamarca Province in northwestern Argentina, the MARA Copper-Gold Project integrates the historical Alumbrera mine infrastructure with the geological resources of the Agua Rica deposit. The project is operated by Minera Agua Rica Alumbrera (MARA), with Glencore as the major shareholder. The project has proven and probable mineral reserves of 5.4 million tonnes of copper and 7.4 million ounces of gold, with an initial mine life of 28 years. This ecological restoration is a key component of the project's environmental management plan.
According to the project developer, the restoration works are divided into two phases: the first phase focuses on rehabilitating access roads and drill platforms built during earlier exploration activities; the second phase will involve revegetation of the area using native plant species. Civil works have been awarded to MAFAP, a contractor based in Andalgalá, which is responsible for site preparation and restoration construction. The bioremediation component is directly executed by Minera Agua Rica, prioritizing the hiring of workers from the nearby Choya area for the revegetation program. The restoration plan covers the Campo Grande (Yutuyaco) and Pabellón areas and was submitted in late 2025.
This ecological restoration project is part of the broader environmental program for the MARA project, which also includes upgrading the drinking water treatment plant in Choya and constructing a new water intake system on the Choya River. Previously, the MARA project had made significant progress in environmental restoration at the Alumbrera mine site, including revegetation of over 100 hectares and ecological rehabilitation of waste stockpiles. The MARA project's restoration plan was previously recognized by the Biodiversity Management Competition organized by the Argentine Chamber of Mining Entrepreneurs (CAEM) and the ProYungas Foundation.
The launch of the Campo Grande ecological restoration project represents an important step for the MARA Copper-Gold Project in fulfilling its environmental commitments and advancing responsible mining. By rehabilitating temporary facilities left from exploration activities and carrying out revegetation, this project helps mitigate the impact of historical mining activities on the local ecosystem, reflecting the project's ongoing investment in environmental management.
