The mining development in the province of Salta, Argentina, is set to embrace new opportunities. First Quantum Minerals recently released the latest technical report for the Taca Taca copper project, confirming its robust economic indicators and positioning the mine in the first quartile of the global cost curve. CEO Tristan Pascall stated: "The introduction of the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) is a significant game-changer, providing the necessary predictability and stability for long-term investments."

The technical report indicates that the Taca Taca project will be a large-scale operation. It is projected to produce an annual output of 291,000 tonnes of copper, along with gold by-product, during the first decade. The mine's operational life exceeds 35 years, with a total investment of approximately $5.25 billion. The project is located 230 kilometers from the provincial capital of Salta and only 35 kilometers from Tolar Grande.

As the first copper mine in Salta province, the Taca Taca project is expected to require around 4,000 workers during peak construction and sustain 2,000 direct jobs during the operational phase. Regarding infrastructure, the project plans to invest in power connections, logistics, and transportation, which is anticipated to drive the development of the Capricorn Bio-Oceanic Corridor and promote the region's integration with Pacific markets.

The company is collaborating with the Salta government to advance environmental impact assessments and water use permits. Key milestones include completing public consultations and obtaining environmental approval in the first half of 2026, followed by a formal application to join the RIGI regime. Concurrently, the company will continue community dialogue and responsibly monitor water resources. With the support of the technical report and the RIGI framework, the Taca Taca copper project is poised to become a significant mine in Argentina, helping Salta play a role in the global energy transition through copper supply.