The decline in gold and silver exports in Argentina can be attributed to several factors, including the depletion of the Mina Pirquitas mine and decreased production from PanAmerican Silver’s Manantial Espejo and Austral Gold’s Casposo. The temporary suspension of Barrick’s Veladero mine due to a cyanide solution spill has also had a significant impact on gold output and the public perception of mining in the country. Concerns about job security in the mining industry and the long-term environmental effects of mining activities have led to increased scrutiny from the general public, and it is expected that four major mines producing gold or silver will close within the next three years.

However, there are some positive developments in the mining sector. Bajo La Alumbrera, Argentina’s largest open-pit operation, will continue production until the end of 2018. Goldcorp remains optimistic about its Cerro Negro project and expects to be a strong producer in Argentina. The closure plan for Minera Alumbrera’s mine will be closely monitored as it will set a precedent for acceptable environmental and socioeconomic impacts.

In the short term, there are a few advanced mining projects that are expected to come online. Fortuna Silver’s Lindero gold project has generated optimism in the local value chain, with construction set to commence in 2017 and production expected in 2018. Other projects, such as Cerro Moro and Don Nicolas, are also progressing well with their construction.

The increase in gold prices has provided a boost to producers like Yamana Gold, allowing them to further develop their projects. Cerro Moro, in particular, is ahead of schedule and is expected to pour its first gold in early 2018. Yamana Gold is also exploring opportunities to extend the life of its Gualcamayo project and seeking partners for the Agua Rica project, which has significant copper potential.

Reactions to the Don Nicolas project have been mixed, given the reasons behind its recent acquisition by an electronic devices company to balance import-export values. However, there is evidence of progress with signed contracts and construction of a lab for the project. Hunt Mining’s La Josefina project in Santa Cruz is advanced, with plans to re-commission the flotation mill of the Martha mine and increase mineral resources in the company’s portfolio.

Argentina has a significant amount of copper projects waiting for favorable conditions, including El Pachón, San Jorge, Agua Rica, and Taca Taca. First Quantum’s Taca Taca project, in particular, has attracted a substantial investment of $5 billion and requires several years of construction. The province of Salta is considered a top mining investment destination in Argentina, followed closely by San Juan. Glencore has announced a $3 billion investment to double its copper production in Argentina. The Filo del Sol project, located on the Chile-Argentina border, is unique in its cross-border operations. The project has benefited from the Argentina-Chile Economic Complementation Agreement, which grants special privileges to mining companies operating across both countries.

It may take time to change public opinion, improve commodity prices, and see the effects of policy shifts under President Macri, but the future of mining in Argentina looks promising. The hype is fueled by the potential of lithium mining and substantial resource speculation. While gold mines currently dominate the industry, there is a possibility of new developments, such as the growth of electric cars, influencing Argentina’s mining landscape in the coming years