Santa Cruz unions back inspections at Newmont's Cerro Negro mine

Labor unions AOMA and ASIMRA in Santa Cruz have expressed formal support for provincial government inspections at the Cerro Negro mining site, operated by Newmont. The inspections, conducted by the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Security with judicial and security force intervention, identified serious safety and hygiene violations at the facility.

Union representatives stated they are on alert due to the irregularities found at the site, which employs approximately 1,200 people. Officials emphasized that while the province promotes mining investment and local employment, companies must operate within the legal framework and prioritize worker safety. This follows a previous incident in April 2024 where two workers died at the site.

Government official Sebastián Santillán noted that the recent inspection required police intervention after officials faced obstacles attempting to enter the establishment. He stressed that the state has an obligation to enforce controls to prevent further loss of life.