Salta and Catamarca have agreed on an unprecedented framework of cooperation for the Diablillos-Plata mining project
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In a context that demands legal certainty and predictability, Governors Gustavo Sáenz (Salta) and Raúl Jalil (Catamarca) signed a historic pact for the future of the Diablillos–Silver mining project.
The meeting took place in San Juan during the II Argentina Copper International Conference 2025, which brought together the main leaders of the sector.
Four protocols for integrated management
Four additional protocols to the Facilitation and Promotion Agreement were signed. These establish joint criteria regarding environmental, tax, royalty, and operational control matters, transforming a provincial border area into a territory of shared administration.
One of the most significant advances is the creation of the Permanent Interprovincial Management Committee. This committee will be made up of technical teams from both provinces and divided into subcommittees to address issues such as environmental impact, administrative procedures, oversight, and operations monitoring.
Jalil cerró un acuerdo histórico entre Salta y Catamarca por Diablillos-Plata
50/50 royalties and cross-control
The distribution of royalties was solved under an equitable scheme: 50% for Salta and 50% for Catamarca. Revenues will be calculated based on what is declared by the operator, with cross-controls and measurement devices at the plant supervised by a Mining Royalties Subcommittee.
In tax matters, it was agreed to coordinate criteria for the collection of Gross Income and Stamp Taxes, using the Multilateral Agreement as a basis. An Interprovincial Tax Subcommittee was also created to prevent overlaps and conflicts.
A proven and refined model
The scheme replicates the successful experience of Sal de Oro, in the Salar del Hombre Muerto, operated by POSCO. That precedent supports the goal of turning Diablillos–Silver into an example of responsible and coordinated mining.
The agreements will be submitted to the legislatures of both provinces for institutional validation.
An expanding project
The Diablillos deposit, located on the interprovincial border, is operated by AbraSilver Resource Corp. The company recently announced a 25% increase in its silver resources and a 14% increase in its gold resources. With this legal and technical framework, Salta and Catamarca seek to ensure transparent, federal, and sustainable development.
