Catamarca Prepares Suppliers and Professionals for Copper and Lithium Growth

Catamarca faces the challenge of adapting its productive infrastructure and human resources to a stage of mining expansion, driven by lithium development and the return of metalliferous projects, with copper as one of the main pillars.

Abás Tanús Mafud, president of the Catamarca Mining Chamber, noted that the province has a shortage of between 30% and 40% of engineers. He warned that the gap could widen if new ventures advance without prior preparation of professionals and workers.

The mining leader also argued that the discussion on local supplier contracting should be based on a diagnosis of existing capacities. In this regard, he considered it necessary to identify which services the province can currently offer, which segments require development, and under what conditions local companies can compete.

Lithium mining already has active operations in Catamarca. Among them he mentioned Fénix and Tres Quebradas, while Sal de Vida, a Rio Tinto project, is moving toward initiating a new operational phase. He also noted the upcoming start of Sal de Oro, operated by POSCO, and the beginning of operations by Galan.

In parallel, metalliferous projects have recovered prominence in the provincial agenda. The convergence of both processes raises expectations among suppliers, workers, and communities, but also requires organizing planning so that local supply can respond to the concrete demands of mining companies.

For Mafud, sector growth requires a realistic evaluation of the opportunities and limitations of each stakeholder. The goal is for mining expansion to align with Catamarca's productive framework and contribute to expanding capabilities linked to the energy transition.

Information from Panorama Minero.