Governor Cornejo Welcomes Executives from India’s Largest Mining Company to Explore Investment Opportunities in Mendoza

Governor Alfredo Cornejo met with representatives of NMDC Limited (National Mineral Development Corporation), India’s largest mining company and one of Asia’s leading state-owned enterprises. The delegation visited Mendoza to learn about investment opportunities in the province’s mining and energy sectors.

During the meeting, provincial officials presented Mendoza’s geological potential, the progress of the Malargüe Western Mining District (MDMO)—including detailed information on several exploration projects—and other strategic initiatives related to mining, energy, and natural resources promoted by the provincial government.

Joining the Governor were Manuel Sánchez Bandini, Undersecretary of Energy and Mining; Jerónimo Shantal, Director of Mining; José María Videla Sáenz, Undersecretary of Institutional Relations; Sebastián Piña, CEO of Impulsa Mendoza; and Fernanda Sabadín, Coordinator of Institutional Relations and Partnerships at the Ministry of Energy and Environment.

The NMDC delegation included Anurag Kapil, Director of Finance; Anupama Gali, Chief General Manager of NMDC Global; Mohammed Nijas, Assistant General Manager (Finance); and Trishant Khatri, Assistant General Manager (Mining) at NMDC Global. They were accompanied by Santhosha H., Second Secretary (Political and Commercial) of the Embassy of India in Argentina.

During this first meeting with provincial authorities, NMDC representatives were introduced to Mendoza’s public policies aimed at developing a modern, sustainable, and competitive mining industry. Officials also outlined the province’s efforts to provide legal certainty, high-quality technical information, and territorial planning to encourage long-term investment.

A key focus of the meeting was the Malargüe Western Mining District, which covers nearly 20,000 square kilometers (703,000 hectares) with significant potential for copper exploration and other critical minerals essential to the global energy transition. The delegation also received information about additional opportunities related to Mendoza’s energy sector and strategic natural resources.

Governor Cornejo welcomed the delegation and highlighted Mendoza’s efforts to build a new era of responsible mining development.

“We are doing significant work to develop mining while ensuring the highest environmental standards, but also to create an economic activity with enormous potential for Mendoza,” he said.

The Governor emphasized that Mendoza is committed to providing predictability and clear rules for investors.

“We want to move forward as quickly as possible. We know this industry will continue to grow, and we must be prepared. We have extensive information available to help investors make informed decisions.”

He also noted that Mendoza has an efficient permitting framework and emphasized that projects approved by the Provincial Legislature enjoy strong legal certainty, providing long-term stability regardless of future political administrations. Cornejo expressed the provincial government’s interest in advancing future investment and cooperation opportunities with NMDC.

For his part, Undersecretary Manuel Sánchez Bandini highlighted that Mendoza’s energy matrix is becoming increasingly renewable. He presented the province’s energy profile and explained how Mendoza’s mining policy is closely linked to its long-term energy strategy.

He noted that Mendoza’s electricity system has historically been supported by hydropower and has been significantly strengthened in recent years through new renewable energy projects. This, he explained, provides an important competitive advantage for the production of critical minerals such as copper.

“Copper produced using lower-carbon energy sources is more competitive and more valuable in international markets,” Sánchez Bandini said.

He also outlined Mendoza’s strong energy potential, including both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons, and highlighted the growth prospects of several strategic areas for future energy development.

A Global Mining Leader

NMDC Limited is India’s largest iron ore producer, with annual production exceeding 53 million metric tons. The company is also involved in the exploration and production of copper, diamonds, tungsten, phosphates, limestone, magnesite, and other strategic minerals.

With more than 5,000 employees and highly mechanized operations, NMDC has established itself as one of the world’s leading mining companies and a key supplier of the essential minerals required for industrial development and the global energy transition.

The visit by NMDC Limited is another clear sign of the growing international interest in Mendoza. Global mining companies increasingly recognize the province as a destination offering exceptional geological potential, legal certainty, strategic planning, and an integrated development strategy that combines mining, energy, and infrastructure to support long-term investment.