In San Juan, Argentina, a proposed copper megaproject led by Vicuña, which has applied for government incentives under the Régimen de Incentivo a las Grandes Inversiones (RIGI), may amount to an investment totaling $15 billion over its lifetime, beginning with an initial expenditure of $2 billion. The excitement surrounding this project is palpable in the region, with officials hoping it will become one of the most important private investments in recent Argentine history.

The project, spearheaded by major mining companies BHP and Lundin Mining, aims not only to mine copper but also to extract gold and silver, with expectations of starting exports by 2030. Located near the border with Chile at a high altitude of 5300 meters, the project's development is a focal point for local economic growth, though full details are still pending. The region's investment incentives are designed to attract such large-scale projects, which are crucial for boosting employment and economic activity.

As Argentina looks to revitalize its economy, the Vicuña copper project represents a beacon of hope for the mining sector, which has struggled in recent years. The implications of this investment could be significant, potentially reshaping the mining landscape in Argentina and contributing to the country’s export revenues as it seeks to stabilize its economy.