“Mining exploration is the foundation of future development,” stated Mendoza’s Minister of Energy and Environment, Jimena Latorre, during the opening speech of Argentina Rocks, the International Geology Congress being held for the first time in Argentina and hosted in Mendoza.
“Mendoza decided to commit to the development of the mining industry and expand exploration activity, because that is precisely what will allow us to have more production projects in the future,” the minister stressed before professionals, geologists, companies and international specialists participating in the two-day event dedicated to the geological knowledge of the Andean region.
Latorre also highlighted the importance of generating information, exchanging knowledge and consolidating technical spaces where experts from around the world can strengthen the development of the mining industry from its earliest stages.
“The difference between having resources underground and being able to produce them, monetize them and transform them into development necessarily requires greater knowledge to leverage future investments,” she remarked.
The minister emphasized that Mendoza is currently experiencing a decisive moment for mining, marked by the growth of exploration activities, the generation of geological information and the strategic value of Andean integration.
“We cannot talk about mining in Argentina — nor about any economic activity, but particularly energy and mining — without a vision of regional integration,” she stated.
Latorre also underscored the institutional work carried out by the province to generate conditions for development and predictability. She recalled the progress achieved through the Malargüe Western Mining District, where 65 projects currently hold Environmental Impact Declarations approved by the Provincial Legislature.
“These are 65 laws that provide legal certainty to each project holder so they can carry out the corresponding investments,” she affirmed.
“It is a very important moment for professionals to share information, knowledge, new practices, best practices and the new standards that continue to drive the evolution of the mining industry every day,” she added.
“Seeing this event become part of the calendar of meetings that bring together the entire sector is proof that Mendoza has turned the page and is developing a very solid mining policy,” Latorre concluded.
The First International Mining Geology Congress Held in Argentina
Argentina Rocks 2026 is taking place on May 27 and 28 at the Sheraton Mendoza Hotel, focusing on geological exploration as a fundamental stage in the development of modern mining.
Throughout the two-day event, professionals, geologists, companies and investors from different countries are participating in technical conferences, specialized panels, poster sessions, networking spaces and exhibitions by leading companies promoting innovation and the advancement of mining exploration across the region.
Mendoza features an institutional stand showcasing the province’s progress in mining development, geological knowledge generation, specialized education and financing tools for the sector.
In addition, technical courses are being held in both Mendoza and San Juan, integrating the two provinces around the shared goal of promoting knowledge exchange, collaboration and new business opportunities.
The program includes presentations on the geology and metallogeny of the Vicuña Belt between Argentina and Chile, new technologies applied to exploration, financing opportunities for junior mining companies, regional tectonic studies, and advances in copper, gold and silver projects across different mining districts in Argentina and the broader Andean region, with participation from representatives of international mining companies, universities and consulting firms.