Andean gold, copper, silver treasure may reshape world’s mining landscape

A fresh article in Interesting Engineering underscores that a monumental discovery deep in the Andes Mountains may reshape the global mining industry. Stretching across the Argentina-Chile border, a vast deposit of copper, gold, and silver—one of the largest ever found—has been uncovered, promising to become a game-changer for both countries' economies and the world’s precious metals supply.

This find, located within the Vicuña Mineral Resource, is considered one of the largest of its kind globally, with an estimated 13 million tons of copper, 32 million ounces of gold, and 659 million ounces of silver.

The Vicuña Mineral Resource spans the San Juan Province in Argentina and the Atacama Region in Chile, and is owned by Lundin Mining and BHP. Experts believe the discovery could evolve into one of the largest and highest-grade mining projects for copper, gold, and silver worldwide.

“This initial Mineral Resource has highlighted the potential for one of the highest-grade undeveloped open-pit copper projects in the world, and one of the largest gold and silver resources globally,” said Jack Lundin, President and CEO of Lundin Mining.

Gold, copper, and silver are crucial for modern technology. Copper is essential for electrical systems and renewable energy, while silver is highly valued for its role in electronics and solar technology. Gold, on the other hand, plays a key role in space exploration and the development of computers.

The formation of these metals is the result of immense geological forces. Tectonic plate movements caused molten rock to rise and mineral-rich fluids to cool within the Earth's crust, eventually forming metal veins. Erosion and water movement have shifted these deposits over time, contributing to their current locations.

The Vicuña district, which includes the Filo del Sol and Josemaria projects, ranks among the world’s top ten largest copper deposits. Experts predict the region’s resources will also make it a significant producer of gold and silver.

Financial analysts expect significant economic benefits for Argentina, including job creation and infrastructure development. Local communities are hopeful that the wealth generated will be used to improve services like schools, hospitals, and roads. The companies involved aim to complete a comprehensive technical report by the first quarter of 2026, outlining the exploration strategy and project timeline.

By Naila Huseynova