Argentina's Rio Negro and Corrientes provinces push forward new mining projects

The province of Río Negro is promoting more than 60 mining initiatives, with several projects moving toward production. Advanced ventures include the Calcatreu gold‑silver mine near Ingeniero Jacobacci, the Ivana uranium‑vanadium deposit in Valcheta, fluorite exploration in Sierra Grande, and the Gran Esperanza gold‑silver exploration covering over 44,000 hectares. Provincial officials aim to strengthen Río Negro’s role in Argentina’s strategic minerals sector and the global energy transition.

In Corrientes, Governor Juan Pablo Valdés announced that agreements with mining firms will be signed in the coming weeks to start rare‑earth explorations. The work will focus on areas such as Curuzú Cuatiá, Mercedes, Juan Pujol (Yofre), and the stretch from La Cruz to San Carlos, where indications of rare‑earths and copper have been found. Valdés said, "Vamos a estar firmando los convenios para comenzar las exploraciones mineras de tierras raras en la provincia," and added, "Hay oportunidad de trabajo y futuro para muchos correntinos." The province is collaborating with the Universidad Nacional del Nordeste to assess the projects’ viability, aiming to diversify the regional economy and generate new jobs.