The governor of Catamarca, Raúl Jalil, came out to defend his administration's mining policy after the recent approval of projects in the provincial Legislature. He did so during the inauguration of a padel court in the town of Las Juntas, where he spoke with the press and replied to questions from critical sectors regarding the production model promoted by the Executive.
In that context, Jalil emphasized that mining constitutes one of the central pillars of the provincial economy and stressed its direct impact on job creation. According to what he specified, the sector currently generates almost 3,000 direct jobs and around 5,000 indirect jobs, figures that reflect the relevance of the activity in Catamarca's production network.
Defense of financial trusts
One of the main axes of the governor's statements was the defense of the use of financial trusts as a mechanism for resource management. Jalil maintained that this is one of the most transparent tools available in public administration and highlighted Banco Nación's role as the managing entity.
"There isn't anything more transparent in contracting than financial trusts. Besides, Banco Nación is the manager", stated the governor, as he rejected the criticism aimed at this financing scheme.
Along those lines, he questioned former officials who now object to the provincial mining policy and recalled decisions adopted during previous administrations. Jalil pointed out that many of the current criticisms omit the historical context and the measures taken in the past, especially in relation to strategic projects.
Comparisons with previous administrations
The governor made specific reference to the Fénix Project (Río Tinto), recalling that during Lucía Corpacci's administration its shutdown was decided and a trust was implemented with new contractual conditions. In that framework, he highlighted that a mining royalty scheme of 3.5% was established, when previously percentages below 2% were paid.
"When former officials criticize the situation that Catamarca has, they don't see what they themselves did", Jalil stated, as he argued that the current criticisms lack a comprehensive view of the sector's evolution and the improvements introduced over time.
Reactivation of projects and economic expectations
In relation to the immediate future of the activity, the governor confirmed progress in the reactivation of the Bajo La Alumbrera deposit, one of the province's most relevant projects. According to what he indicated, the economic and labor effects of this reactivation would begin to be seen starting in June, which is generating positive expectations in different localities.
Jalil also referred to provincial programs aimed at easing the financial burden on consumers and boosting domestic consumption. In that regard, he assured that the El Marcatón program continues to operate with good results, although he regretted that it hasn't been possible to sustain the One Shot scheme with debit, due to the lack of an agreement with Banco Nación.
A message of predictability and continuity
The governor's statements fall within a context of seeking predictability, attracting investment, and strengthening strategic production sectors. With an emphasis on mining, Jalil once again positioned Catamarca as a province aligned with economic development, formal employment, and the use of institutional financial instruments to guarantee transparency and oversight.
