San Juan-based Companies and Andesmar Form JV to Compete for Vicuña Personnel Transport

A group of companies from the communities of Jáchal and Iglesia and from San Juan's capital, together with Andesmar, formed a Joint Venture (JV) to submit its bid in the tender for the personnel transport service of the Vicuña mining project.

The JV was structured with local majority representation by SOTUR, MitreBus, and COMINSA. According to reports, the objective is to integrate the value chain in San Juan and strengthen the role of communities in the areas of influence of major mining projects.

Local suppliers in the proposal

As part of the bid, signed and certified agreements were established for supplier development in Iglesia and Jáchal. The companies assert that this brings clarity and transparency to the proposal and expressed their appreciation for the inclusion of these suppliers. In a sector where local contracting is an increasingly stringent requirement of communities and provincial frameworks, these agreements represent a relevant highlight of the submission.

Operational capacity and complementarity

The San Juan-based firms bring local presence and recognition in their communities, along with experience in mining operations. Andesmar contributes its capacity as a regional-scale operator. Together, the JV contends that its proposal meets what the operator requires, both in the availability of units according to the tender specifications and in the provision of personnel and human capital.

For the companies, the agreement "is the beginning of a great journey" and seeks to strengthen the mining ecosystem by creating work for all.

JV members

• SOTUR: family-owned company from Jáchal with over 20 years in passenger transport, specialized in personnel transfer for the mining industry. Its fleet includes 4×4 buses of various capacities, long-distance 4×2 buses, and support units.

• COMINSA Compañía Minera SRL: based in Iglesia with operational headquarters in Rodeo, specializes in mining personnel transport. It has experience in high-altitude, remote areas and challenging terrain. It already provides services to the Vicuña project and construction firms operating along the North Road corridor. Its fleet includes buses, minibuses, and 4×4 units.

• MitreBus: mining division of the Mitre group, which includes passenger transport companies Alto de Sierra (over 60 years in San Juan), Nuevo Sur (San Juan–Media Agua route), and Valle del Sol (San Juan–Iglesia route).

• Andesmar: with over six decades of operations in Argentina, Chile, and Peru, is part of a group engaged in passenger transport, cargo, and comprehensive logistics. Its Andesmar Industrial division develops personnel transfer solutions at national and international levels, tailored to each project.