In our region, Chile is a beacon within the mining sector, and this is because, for many years, both the Chilean Mining Chamber, chaired by Manuel Viera Flores, and Chile as a country have been highly advanced and can set an example in all matters related to mining safety, becoming a model and a source of learning. We Argentinians must strive to ally ourselves with our neighboring country.
Recently, at the 42nd Annual Congress of the IAEF (Argentine Institute of Finance Executives), Marcelo Álvarez, Executive Director of Barrick Gold for Argentina and Chile, proposed a binational alliance to strengthen mining competitiveness on the global stage. His approach focuses on sustainable, integrated mining with a long-term vision.
Barrick Gold is the most important company in the world in terms of gold mining and sales, and it is the only company operating in northern Argentina. That is why Marcelo Alvarez's opinion and advice, based primarily on his experience, regarding the idea of forming an alliance with Chile is so valuable.
Barrick Gold, together with Newmont and Patagonia Gold, are the only companies producing gold and silver in Argentina, and the three companies together exported more than $16 billion worth of gold.
These figures clearly show that these three companies are the real pillars of the mining sector in Argentina, as the rest of the lithium companies only exported $61 million in 2024.
We are seeing many announcements related to investments in the sector, but in reality, according to the data we publish, very few of these investments are actually materializing, let alone developing exports.
Chile, which exports $60 billion worth of copper, has managed to eradicate poverty through mining.
The Chilean Chamber of Mining, chaired by Manuel Viera Flores, is a strong and solid chamber that is coming to Argentina to try to contribute and transfer its knowledge for the growth of the sector in our country.
Therefore, it is necessary, in the words of Marcelo Álvarez, Executive Director of Barrick Gold for Argentina and Chile, to work to ensure that our country reaches its full potential in the development of mining.
