The Diablillos metal project, focused on gold and silver production, entered Argentina's Large Investment Incentive Regime. For Salta, its inclusion strengthens a strategy aimed at attracting capital through legal predictability and environmental sustainability.
Mining and Energy Secretary Gustavo Carrizo said the province is undergoing a phase of expansion. He also projected that lithium output, estimated at 130,000 tonnes for 2026, could double in the coming years and position Salta among South America's leading producers.
Carrizo said the recovery in international lithium prices, now between 17,000 and 21,000 dollars per tonne, is allowing projects in advanced exploration to move into construction and production. That transition increases labour demand and makes training a central requirement.
The provincial government is preparing an agreement involving UPATecO, municipalities and private companies to train workers for the next phases of mining activity. The goal is to strengthen local participation in jobs, services and supply chains.
Diablillos extends across territory shared by Salta and Catamarca. The governors agreed that each province would account for 50% of suppliers and labour, while the project expects to recover its investment within 24 months of production beginning.
The official strategy links mining with long-term settlement and local development. Bimonthly social forums bring together companies, communities and authorities to define priorities, while continuous power supply has advanced in Olacapato and similar projects are planned for Santa Rosa de los Pastos Grandes and Tolar Grande.
The RIGI provides stability for investments requiring horizons of 25 to 30 years. Salta estimates that if Taca Taca also joins the scheme, the portfolio including Diablillos, Posco, Ganfeng and Rio Tinto could represent around 13 billion dollars in investment.
