Kabil presented sampling results and its supplier contracting system, while Tres Cruces outlined an update to its environmental impact assessment.
By Panorama Minero
New mining projects are advancing in Fiambalá, in the Tinogasta Department of Catamarca. Two companies exploring for lithium held information sessions with local residents to provide updates on their activities. At the Cortaderas project, the company presented the results of sampling conducted on 16 September, along with its supplier and personnel recruitment procedures. Tres Cruces, meanwhile, held a technical information session.
Cortaderas: Sampling and Recruitment
Kabil, the operator of the Cortaderas project, held its information session at the Marilyn Navarro Community Centre in the San Pedro neighbourhood.
According to the company, recruitment and contracting procedures will be implemented by the Zelandez-Dorado joint venture (UTE), appointed to manage the project during the corresponding exploration campaign.
More than 20 people attended the session. Participants included representatives of the Monitoring Centre and the Ministry of Mining, the Municipal Mining Secretariat and the President of the Fiambalá Deliberative Council, as well as representatives of the Tinogasta Mining Suppliers Chamber and the Fiambalá Chamber of Commerce, together with teachers and students from IES Fiambalá.
The company stated that all questions raised by residents were answered and that recruitment, contracting and mobilisation activities for the campaign were expected to begin in the following days.
It also noted that the presentation was made available for consultation at its offices.
Tres Cruces Updates Its Environmental Impact Assessment
Tres Cruces also held a technical information session in Fiambalá, presenting the first biennial update of its project's environmental impact report for the exploration stage.
Company specialists outlined the project's characteristics, water resources, biodiversity, environmental impacts, management measures, community relations and cultural heritage.
Residents of Fiambalá and other communities within the project's area of influence attended the session, which included an opportunity to submit questions and receive answers, both in writing and verbally.
Tres Cruces belongs to Minera Cordillera S.A., which was acquired by 3C Resources, and covers an area of 27,540 hectares.
Cortaderas, meanwhile, is being developed under a concession granted by CAMYEN, with a preliminary investment of up to US$4 million.
In February, the environmental impact assessment for the Cortaderas exploration stage was opened for public consultation.
Tres Cruces also signed a framework agreement with the Tinogasta Mining Suppliers Chamber, designating the organisation as the channel responsible for coordinating, verifying and supervising the services required by the company.
Morales, President of the Chamber, described the agreement as “a practical management tool that professionalises the relationship between mining and local development”.
Fiambalá: An Emerging Mining Hub with a Free Trade Zone in Development
Fiambalá is moving towards becoming a new mining hub in the province of Catamarca.
Chinese-owned Zijin-Liex currently operates the Tres Quebradas (3Q) project in the area and works alongside the provincial government on various initiatives benefiting the local community.
As part of these efforts, the company is financing a 132 kV high-voltage transmission line connecting Tinogasta and Fiambalá, involving an additional investment of US$20 million.
The province is also moving forward with the establishment of a free trade zone in the Tinogasta Department, which is expected to have a direct impact on the area's social and economic development.