Vicuña awards 63.6 kilometers of Northern Corridor to JV with San Juan participation

The Temporary Joint Venture (UTE) comprised of Contreras, BBC—Boetto and Buttigliengo Constructora—and the San Juan-based firm Construmin was awarded the construction contract for the initial sections of the Northern Corridor, in a decision formalized by the Vicuña project.

The contract covers 63.6 kilometers corresponding to sections A1 and A2, between Angualasto and Junta La Palca, passing through Malimán. This represents the first segment of an infrastructure that will reach a projected extension of approximately 220 kilometers and will connect the project with San Juan province.

Scope of works

The planned works include earthmoving, embankments, excavations and blasting, in addition to drainage works, retaining structures, signage and devices related to road safety, in accordance with previously approved engineering.

The technical and economic evaluation that resulted in the award also considered the participation of local suppliers and companies, an aspect that had been promoted by Vicuña through business roundtables organized to strengthen the regional supply chain.

Purpose of the infrastructure

The new road corridor was designed to meet the logistics requirements of the project's upcoming phases. Vicuña is a partnership formed by BHP and Lundin Mining to develop the Josemaría deposit, located in San Juan, and Filo del Sol, a copper, gold and silver deposit situated between that province and the Atacama Region, in Chile.