About this episode
Vicuña Corp CEO Ron Hochstein says the newly combined Jose Maria and Filo del Sol deposits position the Vicuña district as one of the world’s largest and most advanced undeveloped copper projects, with a staged path toward a final investment decision by the end of 2026. Speaking with Kitco Mining at the 35th BMO Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference, Hochstein said the recently released preliminary economic assessment outlines a $7.1 billion first-stage development centered on the fully permitted Jose Maria deposit, with total staged capital rising to roughly $11 billion. If built, the project would represent the largest private investment in Argentina’s history.The district hosts combined resources of 38 million tonnes of copper, 81 million ounces of gold, and 1.4 billion ounces of silver, with a projected mine life exceeding 70 years. Hochstein said the immediate priorities are advancing engineering to a Class 2 capital estimate, finalizing provincial agreements in San Juan, and progressing Argentina’s RIGI investment framework as financing options are evaluated. “See this project through now to successful first copper,” he said, describing his mandate as delivering construction while optimizing future phases across the broader Vicuña district.Don’t forget to subscribe to the Kitco Mining & Kitco News YouTube channels to stay up to date on the latest industry news and interviews.Special thanks to our sponsor, First Majestic Silver. To learn more, visit https://firstmajestic.com/01:40 - PEA Outlines $7.1B Stage One Development02:07 - Why Jose Maria Is Ready for FID03:32 - Staged Approach Reduces Risk and Optimizes Philo04:41 - Argentina Government Backing and $7B Investment Impact06:56 - Permitting, Engineering, and San Juan Provincial Agreement08:14 - Chile Argentina Binational Treaty and Cross-Border Mining10:17 - Copper M&A Wave and Industry Consolidation11:57 - Silver Streaming and Project Financing Options__________________________________________________________________Kitco Mining is dedicated to reporting on the mining industry. Our mandate is to be the top resource for all mining information and news, offering a clear perspective on where the industry is going through breaking news coverage, mining trends, and in-depth reporting, presented with precious, rare earth, base metals, and industry stock prices.Get important precious and base metal updates while on the go with the Kitco Gold LIVE! app - https://applications.kitco.comStay connected with usX - https://x.com/KitcoMiningInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/kitcominingLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/kitco-miningFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/KitcoMiningConnect with the Kitco Mining anchorsPaul Harris - https://x.com/paulharrisgold For more in-depth mining coverage, visit us here - https://www.k
