With a closing session that brought together participants, institutional representatives and industry specialists, the Proyecta Proveedores Uspallata training program came to an end. Developed by Impulsa Mendoza as part of the Promoting Knowledge initiative, the program aimed to strengthen the capacities of local entrepreneurs and businesses to become part of the mining value chain and other productive sectors.
The program was organized jointly with the Mendoza Chamber of Mining Entrepreneurs (CaMEM) and Fundación Mujeres que Inspiran, organizations that Impulsa Mendoza especially thanked for their commitment and collaboration in making this training initiative possible.
The closing day began with the final class of Module 3: Safety and Sustainability, led by Blanca Chávez, representative of CaMEM. During the session, she covered key topics including occupational health and safety standards, sustainability, ESG criteria and the requirements that mining companies currently expect their suppliers to meet.
During the event, the work carried out by the Impulsa Mendoza office in Uspallata was also presented. Federico Olivera and Melina González showcased the initiatives developed to support local residents, entrepreneurs and businesses, consolidating the office as a key point of reference for information, training and connections with new productive projects.
The closing remarks were delivered by Manuel Sánchez Bandini, Undersecretary of Energy and Mining and President of Impulsa Mendoza, who emphasized that:
“The development of mining in Mendoza requires an increasing number of well-prepared local suppliers. Programs such as Proyecta Proveedores enable entrepreneurs and companies across the province to acquire practical tools to become part of this value chain and take advantage of the opportunities ahead.”
Looking ahead, the Undersecretary highlighted the potential of initiatives such as Mendoza Norte Distrito Minero and the infrastructure projects that will help position Uspallata as an economic, logistics and service hub for the entire province.
The event concluded with a networking session, where participants exchanged experiences, established new contacts and began building commercial relationships among entrepreneurs, companies and institutions.
Training with Strong Local Impact
The program attracted 172 pre-registered applicants, reflecting the strong interest among entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized enterprises in gaining the skills needed to strengthen their businesses and become part of the mining value chain.
Since each module had limited capacity, participants were selected based on the profile of each company, entrepreneurial venture or professional project, prioritizing those with the greatest potential to compete in increasingly demanding markets. Following this selection process, 44 participants successfully completed the program.
The training consisted of three modules delivered on different dates:
- Understanding the Mining Industry, focused on the industry’s structure, the mining project life cycle and business opportunities for suppliers.
- Preparing Your Business, covering business management, cost analysis, financial planning and the development of competitive business proposals.
- Safety and Sustainability, dedicated to occupational health and safety, environmental standards, ESG criteria and corporate requirements.
Notably, 65% of participants were from the Uspallata community, while the remaining attendees came from Greater Mendoza, other areas of the province and even other regions, reinforcing the program’s strong territorial impact.
Participants also represented a wide variety of sectors, including technical services, engineering, tourism, hospitality, logistics, transportation, retail and skilled trades. Attendance was evenly balanced between women (52%) and men (48%).
Preparing Local Suppliers for Future Growth
Beyond its technical content, Proyecta Proveedores Uspallata contributed to the professionalization of entrepreneurs and small businesses by introducing them to the standards commonly used throughout the international mining industry.
The program also helped establish a network of local suppliers with strengthened capabilities to respond to future service demands, promoting greater participation by Mendoza-based companies in projects that are driving the province’s productive growth.
Likewise, the experience reaffirmed the strategic role of the Impulsa Mendoza office in Uspallata as a permanent community resource that promotes training, institutional collaboration and support for individuals and businesses seeking new development opportunities.
The high level of interest, sustained participation throughout the program and the valuable exchange of experiences among attendees have established Proyecta Proveedores Uspallata as a successful initiative that strengthens local capabilities and lays the groundwork for continued growth of Mendoza’s mining value chain.