General Lamadrid Mayor Luis Orquera backed the launch of the 2026-2030 Five-Year Mining Plan and said La Rioja faces a new opportunity to recover its mining development.
Orquera took part in the presentation led by Governor Ricardo Quintela at the Federal Investment Council headquarters in Buenos Aires. He represented La Rioja's mayors and linked the proposal to the province's productive history.
The mayor recalled that mining played a significant role in La Rioja from the late nineteenth century, with activity in Famatina and the growth of Chilecito as a centre connected to the sector. He argued that the province can build a new period of expansion from that historical experience.
The strategy requires attracting investment and creating conditions for projects to generate jobs, economic activity and greater local value added. Orquera said the provincial government's political decision opens a key opportunity to transform La Rioja's productive structure.
He also warned that mining growth must be based on strict sustainability standards. He acknowledged that social concerns have often focused on the environmental impact of projects, particularly the use and preservation of water.
The challenge, he said, is to combine economic development and environmental protection without treating them as opposing goals. The proposal seeks to introduce more knowledge, technology and responsibility at every stage of the activity.
The 2026-2030 Five-Year Mining Plan therefore aims to recover an industry linked to La Rioja's productive identity and project it under new conditions. Its success will depend on attracting capital while building lasting safeguards for local communities.
