McEwen Copper, a subsidiary of NYSE-listed McEwen Mining, has received approval for the environmental-impact assessment (EIA) of its Los Azules copper project in San Juan, Argentina.

The environmental-impact statement, issued by the provincial government, follows a review process that began with the submission of the EIA documentation in April 2023. The process involved more than 3 000 pages of technical reports, consultations with local stakeholders, and a site visit to the project.

The EIA was prepared by international engineering firm Knight Piesold, with input from 22 subject matter experts from San Juan.

“We are extremely pleased to reach this critical permitting milestone,” said McEwen Mining CEO and founder Robert McEwen. “This approval underscores the strong support for copper mining in San Juan, a province known for its pro-mining stance. It also highlights our ongoing commitment to modern, sustainable, and regenerative mining practices at Los Azules.”

With the EIA approval in place, McEwen Copper will proceed toward publishing a definitive feasibility study (DFS) for Los Azules, expected in the first half of 2025. The company aims to begin construction in 2026, advancing the project toward production and positioning it as a key player in Argentina’s growing mining industry.

The Los Azules project is one of the largest undeveloped copper assets in the world. As demand for copper continues to rise, driven by its role in renewable-energy technologies such as electric vehicles, solar panels, and wind turbines, McEwen Copper is focused on producing low-carbon copper to support the global energy transition.

“We are committed to producing low-carbon copper at Los Azules to meet the growing demand for critical metals,” said Robert McEwen. “Our sustainable practices and technological innovations will enable us to play a leading role in providing the resources necessary for a greener, more sustainable future.”

Strategic partnerships with industry leaders, including Stellantis and Nuton (a Rio Tinto venture), will help advance cutting-edge technologies for efficient and sustainable copper extraction.