Why did a court in San Juan province lift the suspension on the Vicuna copper project, and what legal authority does it claim over the project?

The San Juan provincial court lifted the suspension by granting a precautionary measure requested by Vicuna, thereby guaranteeing continuity of operations; this ruling asserts that only San Juan provincial authorities — specifically its mining ministry, which authorized the project — have jurisdiction to intervene, as Vicuna is physically located in San Juan, even though its access route crosses neighboring La Rioja.

What was the basis for the temporary suspension ordered by the La Rioja judge, and how did Vicuna respond operationally?

The La Rioja judge ordered a 30-day suspension because Vicuna had not submitted a comprehensive environmental assessment with La Rioja's participation, and she barred movement of machinery and vehicles along a road in her province; Vicuna responded by continuing operations using an alternative access route that does not cross through La Rioja.

Argentina Court Lifts Suspension on Vicuna Copper Project

Apr 28, 2026

An Argentine court lifted a suspension on the $7 billion Vicuna copper project operated by BHP and Lundin Mining, permitting operations to resume after environmental assessment disputes in neighboring La Rioja province were resolved.

reuters

2026-04-28

Argentina Court Lifts Suspension on Vicuna Copper Project

Argentina Court Lifts Suspension on Vicuna Copper Project

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