The Mendoza government recently approved the Environmental Impact Declaration of the Malargüe Western Mining District (MDMO), presented by the provincial Energy Minister, Jimena Latorre, with the aim of enabling 34 exploration projects in the Malargüe Department. This approval has raised concerns in different sectors, especially in socio-environmental assemblies, which point out that this mining activity does not have the necessary social license.
The assemblies, particularly the Mendocinian Assemblies for Pure Water (AMPAP), have expressed their concern about the rapid processing of this bill, without allowing for the necessary public debate. They alert to the lack of consultation with indigenous communities, as established by ILO Convention 169, and assert that if there is no open debate, they will seek legal options available to protect the water of Mendoza, natural ecosystems, and the population of the Malargüe mountain range.
In this context, the assemblies are requesting a Public Hearing in the Mendoza Legislature to discuss the matter, as established by Law 7722. They also express skepticism about the environmental controls promised for the mining projects and question the supposed sustainability of megamining, pointing out that it is an activity based on non-renewable resources that will eventually deplete, leaving behind negative impacts.
Furthermore, the assemblies criticize the lack of consideration for popular initiatives such as the creation of the Uspallata-Polvaredas Protected Natural Area, which has not been addressed for over 15 years. In contrast, they observe a legislative speed to approve extractive projects at the expense of necessary public debate. They highlight the importance of the Escazú Agreement, which guarantees public participation in environmental decisions, and indicate that this right has been violated in the case of the 34 mining projects in question.
In summary, the Mendocinian assemblies are fighting to ensure the protection of water, natural ecosystems, and communities affected by mining activities in Malargüe, urging for public debate and greater control over these extractive initiatives that they claim pose a threat to the well-being of the region and its inhabitants.