“Information has always been available so that today we can reach a public, conscious and informed debate,” said the Minister of Energy and Environment, Jimena Latorre, who was one of those in charge of opening the session in Malargüe. At the hearing, 34 exploration projects were analyzed and more than 100 citizens expressed their opinions.
The Environmental Impact Assessment Hearing of the Western Mining District (MDMO) of Malargüe It aroused great interest among the people of Mendoza, with 467 registrants, more than 100 speakers and hundreds of citizens who followed the meeting in person at the Thesaurus Convention and Exhibition Center, through Zoom and for streaming on YouTube.
The Minister of Energy and Environment, Jimena Latorrewas one of those in charge of inaugurating the Hearing, which was attended by the Vice Governor of Mendoza, Hebe Casado; the mayor of Malargüe, Celso Jaque; the director of Mining, Jerome Shantal; the director of Environmental Protection, Leonardo Fernandezand the regional representative of the National Mining Secretariat, Susana Figueroa.
“Information has always been available so that today we can carry out a public, conscious and informed debate,” Minister Latorre stated at the opening.
Latorre added that “Citizen participation must be what continues to build legitimacy in the discussion and development of mining in Mendoza”highlighting the importance of the Hearing, although it is not binding, for the ongoing process.
Previously, 13 sectoral reports associated with this Environmental Impact Statement were published, in addition to the technical opinion of the Faculty of Applied Sciences to Industry of the National University of Cuyo, in accordance with the Law 5.961 and his Regulatory Decree 820/06which enable citizen participation.
“Our province has a great opportunity to show us that it is possible to develop responsible mining, which protects the value of our environment, but at the same time generates the jobs that many people in Mendoza need,” The mayor expressed Celso Jaque“May this hearing allow us to understand the historic opportunity before us,” he added.
Celso Jaque Public Hearing Malargüe Mining District Mendoza
Jerome Shantalanother speaker at the hearing, stressed that “the new regulations clearly establish that no mining activity can be carried out without an approved environmental impact report.”
The Mining Director also explained that it is not even possible to set foot on the land without this permit, and detailed the operation of the Environmental Management Unit (UGA), made up of various sectors. He also highlighted the Mendoza Government’s adherence to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI). “It was a process that, although it was not mandatory, we carried out to ensure the greatest citizen participation, more information and transparency of the Mining-environmental procedures. We will continue working on the evaluation.”Shantal later posted on social media.
Jerónimo Shantal Public Hearing Malargüe Mining District Mendoza
For its part, Leonardo Fernandez He stressed the importance of citizens being aware of the controls that are being carried out and how they are carried out. He also outlined the administrative and environmental procedures that must be followed to ensure the protection of natural resources in mining projects.
Other exhibitors included the manager of Boost Mendozain charge of the MDMO project, who assured that the studies carried out confirmed that the region has great geological potential and that there is no competition for the use of land or water with other productive activities.
More than 100 citizens expressed their perspective
During the hearing, in addition to the official interventions, more than 100 citizens took the floor. Among them, several students from Malargüe They defended the development of sustainable mining as a source of employment that would allow them to apply their knowledge without having to leave the province.
Professionals from the sector with national and international experience also participated, such as representatives of the European Space Agencyand members of Mendoza SMEs that currently depend on importing metals.
Public Hearing Malargüe Mining District Mendoza
The journalist Julian Chabertson of the renowned geologist Mario Chaberthighlighted the importance of events such as this Hearing to spread knowledge about mining and its positive impact on communities.
The Vice Governor Hebe Casado She registered as a citizen of the South of Mendoza and expressed her support for the public policy of the Government of Mendoza, highlighting the importance of reactivating mining for the economic development of the region. “We know that this will have a positive impact on the whole society,” she said, referring not only to direct workers, but also to suppliers, service providers and technicians involved in the process.
Some voices against the project were also heard during the Hearing, such as that of the president of the Argentine Federation of Speleology, Carlos Benedetto, who claimed not to have had a more active participation in the creation of the project.
After the face-to-face presentations, the registered participants were given the opportunity to speak virtually, some of whom also spoke out against the project, although most of them did not belong to the department. Malargüe.
Despite some objections, the majority of participants voted in favour of the project.
Video of the Public Hearing for the Malargüe Mining District
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
