Argentina reveals the largest deposit of gold, copper and silver of the last 30 years: a milestone for global mining

The discovery of a gigantic mineral deposit in the Andes can reposition Argentina as a new world protagonist in the mining sector.

Located in the province of San Juan, the new Gold, Copper and Silver Megadeposite was announced by mining company Vicuña, formed by the partnership between the companies BHP (Australia) and Lundin Mining (Sweden/Canada).

This finding represents the largest deposit of the last three decades and has the potential to transform the Argentine economy, generating new perspectives for the country, both in the global and regional market.

The deposit and its dimensions

The warehouse, which covers the projects Filo del Sol and Josemaría, extends beyond the Argentine borders, reaching the Chilean region of Atacama. The announcement reveals the magnitude of the mineral resources found, with numbers that impress even the most experienced experts in the industry:

Copper:

Confirmed: 12.8 million tons

Estimated: 25.1 million tons

Gold:

Confirmed: 32.2 million jaguars

Estimated: 48.7 million jaguars

Talk:

Confirmed: 659 million jaguars

Estimated: 808 million jaguars

With over 80 million jaguars of gold and silver and tens of millions of tons of copper, the project is classified among the largest in modern mining history. These numbers put Argentina in a strategic position in the global mineral resources market.

Economic and potential impact for the sector

The discovery puts Argentina on a new level in the global mining scene, alongside powers like Chile, Peru and Canada.

According to the Clarín newspaper, the country hopes that until the end of the next decade, it will be one of the 10 largest world producers. In 2023, Chile, the largest copper producer today, exported about $ 50 billion in copper, which is equivalent to the entire Argentina agroindustrial sector.

As a result, the discovery not only promises a direct impact on trade balance, but should also boost the creation of thousands of jobs and contribute to a substantial increase in the country’s tax revenue.

Exploitation of large amounts of copper and precious metals can result in significant economic diversification at a critical moment for the Argentine economy.

The Vicuña and the Future of the Project

Dave Dicaire, general manager of Vicuña, said in an official statement that the discovery expands the company’s resource base and strengthens its strategic position in the Andean region. “We are in a great position to continue advancing the development of a mining district of great potential,” he said.

The next step will be the preparation of an integrated technical report, which will be finalized in the first quarter of 2026 and will detail the exploration plan, implementation schedule and economic projections for the project.

Vicuña reaffirms its commitment to sustainable mining practices, emphasizing the importance of respecting local communities and the environment.

Challenges and geopolitical opportunities

The discovery of the deposit brings out geopolitical issues, as the Andes region is rich in vital strategic minerals for sectors such as renewable energy, technology and electronics industry. Minerals such as copper, silver and gold are essential for the manufacture of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, microchips and other technological components.

Experts believe the project can promote Argentina’s geopolitical repositioning by attracting international investments and expanding its participation in global natural resources supply chains.

In addition, the discovery places Argentina in a more relevant position for bilateral agreements with countries rich in natural resources such as Chile, Bolivia and Peru.

Sustainability and social and environmental challenges

Despite the great economic potential, the project raises questions about environmental and social impacts. The Andes Cordillera region houses indigenous communities, sensitive ecosystems and natural reserve areas that require special care.

Vicuña has stated that the project will continue to strict international environmental protocols and maintain a constant dialogue with local Argentine communities to ensure that mining is performed responsibly and sustainably.

The company has pledged to adopt modern, clean and inclusive mining practices based on scientific evidence and continuous engagement with society.

Regional impact and expectations

The discovery has significant implications not only for Argentina, but also for all of South America. Chile, which shares part of the deposit, can benefit from bilateral partnerships and integrated operations.

Bolivia and Peru, other countries rich in mineral resources, carefully observe developments, as the project can lead to new investments and adjustments to regional policies.

In addition, the discovery has the potential to boost Argentina’s logistics infrastructure, modernize the mineral sector and create mining technology poles.

Deposit exploitation can also result in regulatory and environmental reforms that make the country more attractive for foreign investment.

Conclusion

The discovery of the largest gold, copper and silver deposit of the last 30 years in Argentina represents a milestone not only for the mining sector, but for the country’s economy as a whole.

With exceptional mineral resources, Argentina is positioned as an emerging power in the global mining market.

However, the true measure of its success will depend on the capacity of government, companies and local communities to balance economic development with environmental preservation and social welfare.

The province of San Juan, where the warehouse has been found, will certainly see a new global role in mining, with effects that will reverberate throughout South America.