MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Mining projects debate heats up in Argentina as provinces unite to defend industry

Planning Minister Julio De Vido headed a meeting with provincial governors

The Argentine government faced with growing resistance to mining projects without the proper environment and resources assurances, which has led to demonstrations and sometimes violent clashes with police, has sponsored the creation of the Federal Mining Organization which brings together all those provinces with mining interests.

After holding a meeting with Planning Minister Julio De Vido, Jujuy province Governor Eduardo Fellner stated that one of the goals of uniting the mining regions in the country was to be able to “reach a greater profit rate” in mining production within these provinces and “look toward further training staff, creating a higher-skilled workforce.”

The decision was supported by many of the attendants, including Salta province Governor Juan Manuel Urtubey, who underlined the need for the Federal Mining Organization, due to it being “essential to uniting policies” in the industry, especially amidst the escalating environmentalist protests.

Likewise Catamarca province Governor Lucía Corpacci defended mining sites in her province and assured the controversy that sparked is a problem of Catamarca and must be solved by its residents.

Corpacci assured that her administration has “set out the defence and the importance of mining developments with clear rules.”

She added that she met with mining businessmen to tell them that mining should benefit all of Catamarca’s residents and not only a few. She also clarified the fact that her Government has not authorized new mining venture and that is why this conflict calls my attention.

“I’m concerned over the disinformation spread by certain national media outlets,” regarding the alleged use cyanide and the contamination of water in Catamarca.

She also criticized the roadblocks that activists have staged in the last few days. “We are tired of being accused violence and called for a debate that can create social consensus. This is a problem of Catamarca province and it must be solved by its people.”

“I will not allow economic interests to be over the health of our people. I’m a doctor, a mother and nothing worries me more that we live healthily,” she concluded.