Argentine Judge Halts Activities at Vicuna Copper Project
An Argentine judge ordered a 30-day suspension of activities at the Vicuna copper project citing environmental risks. Police blocked a key access road today.
A judicial authority in Argentina has ordered a 30-day halt to activities at the Vicuna Copper project, citing environmental concerns and the lack of a comprehensive impact assessment. Police in the province of La Rioja have blocked a key provincial road leading to the site, which is situated in the neighboring province of San Juan but accessed through La Rioja. The court order, dated April 14, also bars vehicle circulation along the disputed corridor.
The project is a joint venture between Australia-based BHP GROUP LTD-SPON ADR and Canada-based LUNDIN MINING CORP. A spokesperson for the project noted that they have not yet been formally notified of the judicial order and that operations were continuing normally using an alternative route.
