Once again, broad public participation—both in person and online—was ensured for all citizens interested in sharing their views. The project aims to assess and develop the potential of potassium salts in Malargüe, a key input for agriculture and industry.
The Public Hearing for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Potasio Cancambria Project has concluded. The initiative seeks to prospect the potential of potassium salts in Malargüe—an essential input for fertilizer production and agro-industrial development.
Convened by the Mining Environmental Authority, the participatory process was held in a hybrid format, with in-person attendance at the Thesaurus Convention and Exhibition Center in Malargüe and online participation via a web platform, including live streaming on YouTube to guarantee access for all interested parties. The event was attended by Vice Governor Hebe Casado and Malargüe Mayor Celso Jaque.
During the hearing, the project’s technical, environmental, and administrative scope was presented, along with observations and contributions submitted by the various participating sectors.
Opening remarks were delivered by representatives of the Mining Environmental Authority—Director of Mining Jerónimo Shantal and Director of Environmental Management and Enforcement Leonardo Fernández—who outlined the applicable procedure, the scope of the environmental analysis, and the stages of the evaluation process.
At the conclusion, Shantal highlighted that “100 percent of the voices expressed support for the project. Should approval be granted—following analysis by numerous technical bodies and professionals—the proponent would then be able to begin its activities.”
He added that “the company, of Canadian origin, operates projects in several parts of the world and has a clear interest in advancing mining activities in the Province of Mendoza.”
Fernández, in turn, emphasized that this type of “citizen participation helps enrich the environmental assessment process, enhances transparency, and brings information closer to all stakeholders.”
Subsequently, the project proponent presented the Environmental Impact Assessment, detailing the baseline environmental conditions of the project area, the planned activities, identified potential impacts, and the proposed prevention, mitigation, and monitoring measures.
All speakers expressed support for the project, endorsing its development and underscoring its potential contribution to regional productive activity, job creation, and the strengthening of the local value chain.
In accordance with current procedures, the post-hearing period remains open for the submission of additional written comments, which will also be considered as part of the administrative record.
About the Project
The Potasio Cancambria Project aims to evaluate and develop the potential of potassium salts in the department of Malargüe through planned mining activities subject to environmental oversight.
At this stage, the initiative seeks to obtain precise technical and environmental information about the deposit through prospecting activities designed to characterize the subsurface, identify the quality and quantity of potassium salts present, and determine the feasibility of advancing to subsequent, more detailed phases.
Potassium salts are a strategic input for fertilizer production, which is essential for agriculture and food security. Having reliable information about their potential within provincial territory enables responsible productive planning, with strict environmental controls and citizen participation, in full compliance with applicable regulations.
