# Belén department mining project coordination efforts > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/beln-department-mining-project-coordination-efforts > Updated: 2026-08-28T22:00:14.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Local authorities and political leaders in the Belén department of Argentina are seeking greater recognition and coordination regarding regional mining developments. In mid-August, mayors from Belén met with Argentina’s Minister of Government, Security, and Justice, Alberto Natella, to discuss the MARA mining project. The mayors submitted a petition to Minera MARA seeking increased transparency, bimonthly meetings, and better coordination regarding local labor, services, and corporate social responsibility efforts. By late August, provincial Senator Soledad Blas formally requested that the Belén Department be designated as a direct area of influence for the Kachi mining project in El Peñón. Blas argued against current documentation that classifies Belén as an indirect influence zone, stating that the designation should account for environmental, social, and economic effects rather than just physical proximity. The Senator emphasized that such a designation would ensure local communities have access to employment programs, training, and supplier contracting opportunities. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-28: Senator requests Belén be named direct influence area for Kachi mining project Senator Soledad Blas has requested that the Belén Department be recognized as a direct area of influence for the Kachi mining project to ensure local communities benefit from employment and economic impacts. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/senator-requests-beln-be-named-direct-influence-area-for-kachi-mining-project ### 2026-08-18: Belén mayors seek coordination with MARA mining project Mayors in the Belén department have proposed a new coordination agenda with Minera MARA to ensure local participation, employment, and infrastructure development regarding the mining project. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/beln-mayors-seek-coordination-with-mara-mining-project --- Cite as: Belén department mining project coordination efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/beln-department-mining-project-coordination-efforts