01/07/2026 19:00 - Economia
Canadian company Aisa Group announced it will present a new project under Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) for USD 1.5 billion to expand the Gualcamayo mining district in San Juan province. This investment adds to the USD 665 million already approved in January 2026, consolidating a strategic bet on gold and industrial metals reserves.
The announcement was made by Juan José Retamero, CEO of the group, during a meeting between President Javier Milei and investors in Madrid, Spain. The plan, called "G50 Program", aims to extend the mine's lifespan and develop the full potential of the deposit.
| Additional Investment | USD 1.5 billion |
| Previous Investment (Jan 2026) | USD 665 million |
| Gold Resources | 7.1 million ounces |
| Certified Reserves | 4.9 million ounces |
| District Area | 38,000 hectares |
| Projected Exports | USD 26.5 billion |
| Export Period | 2030-2055 |
San Juan is a province located in western Argentina, part of the Cuyo region, bordering Chile to the west. Known for its stunning Andean landscapes and wine production, it has become one of Argentina's most important mining hubs.
The province sits on the Andes mountain range, rich in mineral deposits including gold, copper, and silver. Its mining-friendly policies and proximity to Pacific ports make it strategically attractive for international investors looking to access global markets.
The Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) is an Argentine legal framework designed to attract major investments through tax benefits, legal stability, and long-term guarantees. This regime offers investors predictability in a country traditionally seen as volatile.
To date, 20 projects have been approved under this regime, totaling commitments exceeding USD 33 billion. Of the total initiatives, 19 belong to the mining sector, with committed investments of USD 42.2 billion. This framework has been key to transforming Argentina's geological potential into concrete long-term investments.
"We are thinking of Gualcamayo as a district, not just as a mine", explained Nicolás Bareta, Head of Mining at the company. The executive highlighted that the goal is to generate foreign currency and sustain employment for decades through the integration of new exploration targets.
The initiative complements the "Deep Carbonates" scheme, which projects exports worth USD 26.5 billion between 2030 and 2055. In a first phase of 24 to 36 months, the company will accelerate the evaluation of remaining resources. The district covers 38,000 hectares of concessions, including areas with potential for gold and industrial metals extraction.
Gabriel Corvo, General Manager of Aisa Group, stated that the deposit has gone from being a declining operation to becoming a growth platform. Retamero linked the investment to the pursuit of stable macroeconomic parameters and legal security in Argentina.
The company maintains that RIGI is the key tool to transform national geological potential into real long-term investment, generating sustained employment and foreign currency for the Argentine economy.
Alfredo S. Quiroga
