Vicuña Opens New Business Round for San Juan Suppliers: What Goods and Services It's Looking to Contract

Vicuña launched a new call for proposals to incorporate local suppliers into its supply chain, as part of the copper project development it is driving in San Juan. The in-person business round will take place on July 13 and 14 and will be aimed at companies that are suppliers of goods and services throughout the province, with a special focus on firms from Iglesia and Jáchal.

The initiative seeks to strengthen the development of local suppliers through linkage meetings between companies participating in the tenders and potential subcontractors from San Juan, with the aim of generating new business opportunities and expanding the participation of provincial SMEs in the mining industry.

Categories Sought

In this round, Vicuña is seeking companies that provide the following goods and services:

• Mobile office rental.
• Industrial hardware suppliers.
• Industrial electrical materials.
• Engineering services.
• Generator rental.
• Pickup truck rental.
• Mobile bathroom rental.
• Freight and personnel transport.
• Work apparel and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Health and Safety consulting.
• Crane services.

How to Participate

Interested companies must complete their registration online by Wednesday, July 8 at 1:00 p.m. Once the application process is completed, Vicuña will evaluate the requests and notify by email the time slots assigned for business meetings.

In addition to this call for proposals, the company reported that it will continue to hold business rounds in communities near the project, replicating the scheme implemented during catering service contracting. It will also promote linkage spaces for companies that do not participate as direct bidders, in order to drive strategic alliances and strengthen the local productive network.

Requirements

To participate, companies must:

• Have current registration in the Achilles supplier database.
• Have up-to-date legal, tax and accounting documentation, including ARCA registration and the corresponding permits.
• Demonstrate compliance with the safety, health and environmental management standards required by Vicuña.

How Vicuña's System Works

"These business rounds are part of the working sessions that Vicuña organizes with the contractor companies that provide services to the project. Since large mining companies outsource most of their activities—from civil works and earthmoving to catering, transport or accommodation—it is these contractors who identify opportunities to incorporate suppliers from nearby communities," explained Rodolfo Aballay, head of the Jáchal Mining Suppliers Chamber.

Aballay noted that in order to participate, companies must be formally incorporated and have all documentation in order. "It is essential to have commercial licensing, ARCA registration and the corresponding legal documentation. In addition, Vicuña works with the Achilles platform, where suppliers upload all administrative and technical information required to operate on a mining project."