Vicuña Projects a New Scale for Argentine Copper

The Vicuña district, comprised of the Josemaría and Filo del Sol projects, demonstrates the magnitude of the next generation of copper mining ventures in Argentina. Located in the Andes Cordillera in San Juan, the development is situated above 4,000 meters elevation with sectors exceeding 5,000 meters.

The distance from populated centers, climatic conditions, and the planned production scale require developing energy, road, and connectivity infrastructure alongside mining operations. The project is led by Lundin Mining and BHP, and project managers stated that these works will have a scope comparable to specific projects within the complex itself.

The first phase of Josemaría will demand 260 MW of power. In July, the National Regulatory Entity for Gas and Electricity authorized the access and expansion of the transmission system required to meet this demand. According to district projections, demand could later rise to approximately 400 MW and reach close to 700 MW in successive phases.

To supply initial consumption, a 500 kV extra-high voltage transmission line is planned, extending approximately 167 kilometers between Rodeo and Chaparro. The plan also includes new facilities and upgrades at the Nueva San Juan, Rodeo, and Chaparro transformer stations.

At Chaparro, a 500/220 kV transformer bank with 450 MVA capacity and two 220 kV outlets to the Josemaría transformer station are contemplated. Road infrastructure will also play a central role: the first stage alone will require more than 200 kilometers of roads in a high mountain environment with complex access.

The projected energy scale places Vicuña among mining developments requiring coordinated planning between companies and the electrical system. If demand reaches approximately 700 MW, the complex's requirement would be comparable, in power terms, to that of an Argentine nuclear power plant.

With information from Panorama Minero.