Cornejo and Figueroa Drive Mendoza and Neuquén Supplier Integration for Mining and Energy
Governor Alfredo Cornejo and his Neuquén counterpart, Rolando Figueroa, held a meeting at the Mendoza Government House with representatives of CPROMEC, the Cuyo Mining and Energy Suppliers Cluster, an organization seeking to integrate the production capabilities of regional companies to respond to the demands of large-scale mining and the energy sector. Also participating were the Minister of Government, Infrastructure and Territorial Development, Natalio Mema; the mayor of Guaymallén and cluster president, Marcos Calvente; the entity's vice president, Julio Totero, and private sector representatives.
During the meeting, Cornejo highlighted the importance of advancing a development strategy that allows Mendoza to broaden its productive matrix, attract investments, and create new opportunities for local companies. In that regard, he stressed that the province needs to consolidate new economic activities that complement its traditional engines, such as wine production, and allow for increased employment, investment, and growth capacity for small and medium-sized enterprises.
"Mendoza has had development engines that have been turning off over time. We had one engine that was conventional oil, and we have the wine industry engine, a highly competitive industry that we are proud of, but that also suffers from changes in consumption trends. We cannot sit idly by: we need to find other engines that add value, investment, jobs, and help businesses grow."
Along those lines, the provincial leader emphasized that the development of mining and hydrocarbons represents a strategic opportunity for Mendoza, especially through coordination with Neuquén and the possibility of leveraging industrial capabilities already installed in the region.
"We are convinced that we can do it as well, and we can do it working together—not competing or trying to compete, but as partners."
He further stressed that
"that partnership is good for our provinces and, without a doubt, it is good for Mendoza to develop these activities—unconventional energy, mining, and more."
The governor also valued the commitment of companies already working in these sectors, many of them Mendoza-based SMEs that have developed experience in other provinces and even in international markets. He considered that public-private coordination will be critical for Mendoza to capitalize on opportunities emerging in mining and energy.
"Mendoza wants to be at the forefront of this national project and wants to be partnered with our sister province."
He also mentioned that
"what unites us is a vision of a productive country, not merely a tax-focused one. What unites us is representing and caring for our SMEs, growing, but growing while protecting the environment."
Cornejo added that the challenge is to translate the growth of these activities into concrete benefits for society. In this sense, he noted that
"we don't want this to be only for large investment companies, but rather for the infrastructure to benefit our people, the most vulnerable, those who need it."
He added that the goal is growth supported by a State that fulfills its fundamental duties in education, workforce training, and public health, ensuring equal opportunities.
Neuquén: Rolando Figueroa's Perspective
For his part, Neuquén Governor Rolando Figueroa stressed the need for producing provinces to work in a coordinated manner to improve their companies' competitiveness and broaden regional participation in major investment projects.
"We cannot be enemies among provinces. Our enemy is not Mendoza, nor Chubut, nor Santa Cruz, nor Río Negro. We have the great opportunity to view ourselves as allies, and in any case, our competition will be the different countries that want to supply what we want to sell to the world."
Figueroa then explained that the development of Vaca Muerta has enabled the consolidation of learnings and capabilities that can be shared with Mendoza, both in production and infrastructure matters, human resource training, and private sector coordination. He also highlighted the importance of working on cost management so Argentine projects can compete in international markets.
"To be competitive, we have to work together to achieve competitive pricing. We are price-takers in the international market and we need to be much more efficient at every step of the cost chain. The only way our gas and oil can be sold to the world is by being competitive and working as a team."
The Neuquén governor also noted that integration between both provinces can contribute to creating new opportunities for industrial suppliers and strengthening the regional productive network.
"One province's experience will serve the other. We have much to share and learn, and we must do it together so that the revenue being generated continues to flow through our provinces and creates added value."
In that context, Figueroa considered the challenge transcends government administrations and political cycles:
"What lies ahead is a generational challenge. Those of us who think this way in this new Argentina must align ourselves to seize this last great opportunity, not only to make our provinces great, but to make Argentina great."
The Perspective of Natalio Mema
Minister of Government, Infrastructure and Territorial Development Natalio Mema highlighted the joint work that Mendoza and Neuquén have been developing to create conditions that allow for expanded investment and strengthened participation of local companies in mining and energy value chains.
Mema valued Neuquén's experience in developing unconventional hydrocarbons and noted that Mendoza is advancing its own strategy, based on exploration, generation of technical information, and preparation of necessary conditions to attract investment.
"Having a resource is one thing; being able to exploit it is another."
He further noted that
"we have a common vision, which is to strengthen the private sector, create investment conditions, and support with infrastructure."
In that regard, he underscored that coordinated work among provinces will enable better utilization of existing capabilities and advance shared solutions to reduce costs. He also emphasized that productive development must translate into opportunities for all of society, ensuring that investment benefits reach the entire provinces.
The minister stressed that the progress observed today in Mendoza results from sustained technical and political work. In particular, he mentioned research and exploration efforts undertaken by the province to assess the potential of available resources and create conditions for new project development.
"I believe we have a historic opportunity in Argentina, because the provinces are taking center stage. Those of us who have resources must prepare ourselves to capitalize on this phase and also for what comes next."
CPROMEC: Industrial Capabilities to Support Major Projects
Guaymallén Mayor and cluster president Marcos Calvente explained that CPROMEC emerged from joint work between the public sector, private companies, and scientific and academic institutions, with the purpose of preparing regional suppliers to meet the demands of mining and energy.
The entity coordinates capabilities from various sectors of Mendoza's production, with particular involvement from the metalworking industry, and seeks to bring together knowledge, services, and inputs that will strengthen the local value chain.