The governor of Catamarca, Raúl Jalil, defended the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI) as a key tool to boost Argentine mining, supported the fiscal balance promoted by President Javier Milei, and expressed his support for eliminating the Open, Simultaneous, and Mandatory Primaries (PASO).
In statements to Cadena 3, the provincial leader stated that the new regime allowed for the acceleration of investment projects and provided greater predictability for companies considering entering the country, especially in the mining sector.
Jalil highlighted that the RIGI generates confidence to invest in Argentina
The governor asserted that the RIGI changed Argentina's competitiveness compared to other countries in the region.
"When a company had to decide whether to invest in Chile or another country, perhaps the RIGI gave them the confidence to do so in Catamarca or somewhere else in Argentina," he explained.
According to Jalil, international investors mainly value the legal security offered by the provinces. In this regard, he highlighted the potential of Catamarca, Salta, Jujuy, San Juan, Santa Cruz, and Mendoza as strategic destinations for new mining projects.
Additionally, he emphasized that the regime not only incorporates tax benefits and greater predictability for currency management but also accelerates investments that require long development periods.
"The exploration of a serious project can take up to ten years. Then you have to carry out the engineering and secure the necessary financing," he noted.
Economic stability drives mining growth
Jalil recalled that Catamarca is part of the so-called Lithium Region, along with Salta and Jujuy, and highlighted that the province has already completed four lithium carbonate production plants.
The governor stated that the macroeconomic stabilization achieved during Javier Milei's administration creates better conditions for realizing long-term investments.
"We have natural resources, and the stabilization of the macroeconomy allows these large investments to take root," he affirmed.
He also indicated that new developments related to Agua Rica and Bajo de la Alumbrera are progressing, projects that will allow for the recovery of copper production and export.
