The Latin American mine that could change everything: A find at 3,500 meters that would put a country on the world gold map.
An unexpected discovery in the heights of Salta has awakened the interest of international giants. What began as a simple search for copper revealed a hidden treasure that could redefine the economic course of the country. What was found and why could it cover this country with gold?
A Latin American country is writing a new chapter in its mining history. At an altitude of 3,500 meters, a mine that had already delivered copper in industrial quantities has just revealed an even greater potential: a precious metal that puts the country in the sights of the great powers. What seemed like just another excavation has become one of the most promising finds of the century.
In the province of Salta, Argentina, the Cumbre II and Atena I mines were already known for their copper production, essential for the technology industry and the energy transition. However, the real surprise was hidden beyond the expected ore.
It was at the Lindero mine, 260 kilometers west of the capital city of Salta, where after more than a decade of work, experts found a gold deposit with shocking figures. According to recent estimates, up to 84 million tons of material are hidden under the ground, with an average of 0.6 grams of gold per ton. The result: around 11 million ounces of gold ready to be extracted.
A key point on the global mining map
The discovery has not gone unnoticed. Fortuna Silver Mines has already started mining operations, supported by advanced technology and an infrastructure provided by multinationals. This gold not only represents an economic income, but also a strategic opportunity to position Argentina in the new world energy order.
Extraction is carried out under technical conditions that prioritize environmental sustainability, thanks to advances in leaching, a process that allows gold to be recovered with minimal environmental impact. This methodology is vital to meet the current demands of industries seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.
The country's new mining showcase
This discovery makes Salta an international showcase for responsible mining. In addition to gold, the country has abundant reserves of copper and lithium, two strategic minerals for the manufacture of batteries and clean technologies.
Argentina offers a fertile field for future investments. Projects such as Aguada del Cobre, located in the "turquoise river" area, demonstrate that there are still many unexplored resources. The opportunities are not limited to Salta: the potential extends throughout the country, with domestic and foreign companies interested in developing modern, regulated and job-creating mining.
A future that shines with more than one metal
Lindero's gold is not only of economic value. In a world that demands clean technology and sustainable energy, Argentina's resources can become key allies. With proper planning, investments and regulations, the country can become a fundamental pillar of global energy change.
Argentina is no longer just a land of lithium or copper: now, it is also a land of gold. And what is hidden at 3500 meters above sea level could be the beginning of a new era.
Martín Nicolás Parolari, GIZMODO