Veladero

Veladero is a large open-pit gold and silver mine located in the San Juan Province of Argentina. Operated by Barrick Gold Corporation, it is one of the largest gold mines in South America and a significant contributor to Argentina's mining industry. The mine commenced operations in 2001 and has since undergone several expansions to increase its production capacity.

The Veladero mine is situated in the Andes Mountains at an elevation of approximately 4,000 meters (13,000 feet) above sea level. Its geological setting is characterized by epithermal gold-silver deposits hosted in volcanic and intrusive rocks. The mining method employed is conventional open-pit mining, involving drilling, blasting, loading, and hauling of ore. The extracted ore is then processed using a combination of crushing, grinding, and heap leaching to recover gold and silver.

Environmental management and community relations are key considerations for the operation of Veladero. The company has implemented various programs aimed at minimizing environmental impact, including water management, waste rock disposal, and biodiversity protection. Engagement with local communities and indigenous groups is also a focus, with initiatives to support social and economic development in the region. Veladero has faced some environmental incidents and community concerns over its operational history, which have led to increased scrutiny and regulatory oversight. Despite these challenges, the mine continues to be a major source of precious metals for Barrick Gold and a significant economic force in San Juan Province.