Veladero mine, Gold and silver mine in Iglesia Department, Argentina.
Veladero is an open-pit mine located in the Andes at about 4,000 meters elevation that extracts gold, silver, and copper. The facility uses explosives and large machinery to break rock and process the valuable mineral deposits found there.
The deposit was discovered by geologists in 1998, and mining operations began in 2005 through a partnership between Canadian and Chinese companies. Since then, it has become one of Argentina's major resource projects.
Local communities along the Blanco and Jáchal rivers maintain an active dialogue regarding the environmental impact of mining operations on their territories.
The mine is difficult to access due to its remote location and high elevation, and it is not open for visitors. Anyone exploring the region should prepare for extreme altitude, cold weather, and limited services.
The mine sits within the San Guillermo Biosphere Reserve, where endangered wild camelids like vicuñas roam the landscape. Active mining operations share this space with one of Argentina's protected wilderness areas.
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