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Governor Gustavo Sáenz met with First Quantum Minerals CEO Tristan Pascall and other company executives to discuss progress at Taca Taca, one of the largest copper projects planned in Salta. The project is progressing through a significant stage of its environmental assessment and plans to submit its application to join the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) before the end of 2026.
By Panorama Minero
The Taca Taca project, being developed by First Quantum Minerals 35 kilometres from Tolar Grande in Salta’s Puna region, is approaching two milestones scheduled for the coming months: the public hearing on the Environmental Impact Report (IIA) for the construction and production stages, scheduled for 12 November, and the submission of an application to join the RIGI, which the company plans to make before year-end.
These milestones were discussed during a meeting at Government House between Governor Gustavo Sáenz and a company delegation led by CEO Tristan Pascall. The meeting provided an opportunity to review the technical and economic characteristics of a project involving an estimated investment of up to US$5.25 billion.
Taca Taca is projected to achieve average annual copper production of 291,000 tonnes during its first ten years of operation. The porphyry deposit also contains gold and molybdenum, which are expected to be recovered as by-products.
The scale of the project is also reflected in its employment projections. Up to 5,000 jobs could be created during construction, while the operational phase is expected to generate more than 2,000 direct jobs, according to figures released by the provincial government.
Investment, Predictability and Local Suppliers
During the meeting, Sáenz linked progress in mining projects to the conditions required to attract large-scale investment and generate economic activity in the province.
“We continue to consolidate Salta as an attractive destination for major investments, offering legal certainty, predictability and environmental responsibility,” the governor stated.
He also emphasised the importance of the provincial economy participating in the opportunities generated by mining development.
“Our commitment is to ensure that these investments translate into more jobs, growth for local suppliers and opportunities for the people of Salta,” he said.
The participation of provincial supplier companies is one of the priorities identified by the government in relation to the development of major mining projects.
A New Stage for the Project
The public hearing scheduled for 12 November in Tolar Grande represents the next announced milestone in Taca Taca’s environmental assessment process. The hearing concerns the Environmental Impact Report for the construction and production stages.
In parallel, the company indicated that it plans to submit its application to join the RIGI before year-end. The RIGI is Argentina’s national incentive regime for large-scale investments.
The meeting was also attended by Kevin McArthur, Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Quantum Minerals; board members Kathleen Hogenson, Juanita Montalvo and Brian Nichols; John Gladston, Director of Corporate Affairs; and Keith Green, Corporate Affairs Manager for Latin America.
Representing the Government of Salta were Ignacio Lupión, Minister of Production and Mining, and Gustavo Carrizo, Secretary of Mining.