Argentine province suspends gold mine over labor violations

The southern Argentine province of Río Negro has halted operations at the Calcatreu gold and silver mine, owned by Canadian firm Patagonia Gold. The provincial government cited the company's failure to fulfill its commitments regarding the hiring of local workers as the reason for the suspension.

"The government of Río Negro has ordered the cessation of activities at the Calcatreu mining project due to the company's failure to meet concrete commitments made with the province, the municipality of Ingeniero Jacobacci, and the community," the provincial executive stated in a release.

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The government of Río Negro has ordered the cessation of activities at the Calcatreu mining project due to the company's failure to meet concrete commitments made with the province, the municipality of Ingeniero Jacobacci, and the community.

According to Río Negro, the company has not upheld its agreement to employ at least 80% of its workforce from the province for the Calcatreu project. The provincial government emphasized its stance: "Río Negro supports investments and productive development, but will not allow progress that disregards agreements aimed at guaranteeing employment, training, and real opportunities for the people of Río Negro."

The Calcatreu mine, located 80 kilometers from Ingeniero Jacobacci, is situated in the northern part of the Somuncurá Massif, a volcanic plateau. With a projected lifespan until 2033, the mine, which currently employs around 200 people, began gold production and export last May.

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Río Negro supports investments and productive development, but will not allow progress that disregards agreements aimed at guaranteeing employment, training, and real opportunities for the people of Río Negro.