The San Jorge mining project, proposed for the extraction of copper minerals in the Mendocinian precordillera, has been reintroduced after more than 15 years. This project, which involves open-pit mining and processing to obtain copper, aims to operate on a hill located 97 km northwest of the city of Mendoza and 37 km from the town of Uspallata. Despite being the first to enter the Incentive Regime for Large Investments and being part of the Copper Table, which promotes mining development in the region, it has generated resistance from various community sectors.
The Chamber of Tourism, Commerce and Industry of Uspallata and Alta Montaña clearly expressed their opposition to the San Jorge project, arguing that megamining causes negative environmental impacts such as alteration of the natural landscape, soil and water pollution, and the disappearance of regional economies, among others. They criticize the depletion of natural resources, the high consumption of electrical energy, and the use of large amounts of water, warning about the dangers of megamining for the ecosystem and human health.
Additionally, they emphasize that large-scale exploitation leads to the rapid destruction of vast areas of land, using aggressive physical and chemical methods to recover minerals. They highlight the prohibition in Mendoza of the use of harmful chemical substances in mining activities, such as cyanide and sulfuric acid, in defense of water and community health. Opposition to the project is based on the protection of the environment and the promotion of sustainable initiatives that foster tourism and local economic development in harmony with nature.
The Chamber emphasizes the importance of preserving natural resources for present and future generations, advocating for the creation of a Protected Natural Area in Uspallata-Polvaredas. They warn about the negative impacts of megamining, such as deforestation, air pollution, spread of diseases, high demand for energy and fuel, and risks to biodiversity and human health. They underscore the need to promote more sustainable and environmentally respectful alternatives, seeking to protect the environment and ensure the well-being of the community.
