The Puna seeks to consolidate local suppliers for mining expansion

The expansion of mining in northern Argentina has widened the space for local companies within the service supply chain. In the Puna, the challenge has shifted from entering a growing sector to sustaining and expanding that participation amid greater operational demands.

Luis Vacazur, entrepreneur and driving force behind the Chamber of Mining and Tourism Service Providers of Puna Argentina (CAPROSEMITP), noted that the organization was formally established in 2015 in San Antonio de los Cobres to strengthen the capabilities of regional ventures.

The chamber currently brings together more than 60 companies, while GVH, the company developed by Vacazur, employs around 100 people. The process began in a context of limited job supply and migration toward major urban centers, when Puna suppliers still had limited participation in mining activity.

According to Vacazur's analysis, investment inflows alone do not guarantee the hiring of local firms. To compete, they must achieve technical standards, incorporate tools, manage internal costs, and have the necessary capital to meet mining companies' requirements.

The entrepreneur maintained that market opportunity exists, but not all companies are in a position to seize it. Competition includes suppliers from other regions and abroad, so sector consolidation will depend on preparation, professionalization, and the ability to deliver services aligned with industry demands.

Based on information from Panorama Minero.