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First Quantum readies Taca Taca's key pieces in Argentina

Source: bnamericas.com

TL;DR

First Quantum details preparations for its US$5.25bn Taca Taca copper mine in Argentina's Salta province.
Project expects 291,000t/y copper for first 10 years, then 209,000t/y over 35-year life, plus gold and molybdenum.
Advances hinge on ESIA approval expected later in 2025, water permits, rail logistics to Chile.

The story at a glance

First Quantum Minerals outlines progress on the Taca Taca open-pit copper project through an interview with project development manager Roelof Brits. The company is coordinating rail infrastructure to Chile's Mejillones port, water sourcing from aquifers, and tech like electric haul trucks. This comes as Argentina pushes copper development amid economic reforms, with ESIA approval anticipated later this year.[[1]](https://www.bnamericas.com/en/interviews/inside-first-quantums-us525bn-taca-taca-copper-project-push-in-argentina)

Key points

Total capex stands at US$5.25bn; one of world's 15 largest undeveloped copper projects, fully owned by Canada's First Quantum.
Production: 291,000t/y copper average first decade (max 323,000t), then 209,000t/y; byproducts gold, molybdenum; 40Mtpa processing plant.
Logistics: New rail spur from site, rehab existing Salta-Meijillones line; talks with operators like Ferronor, FCAB; concentrate exports via Chile.
Water: From four non-potable aquifers; 2023 permit apps submitted; 90% supply for 60Mtpa capacity via thickeners, brine repulping; desalination ruled out.
Tech: Electric shovels/drills, Quantum Electra Haul trucks; eyes autonomous ops, AI scheduling, remote centers for efficiency.
Jobs: 4,000 construction, 2,000 operational (95% local, trained); security vs copper theft.
Regulatory: Mining ESIA approval due late 2025; water permits post-ESIA; offtake deals pending.

Details and context

Taca Taca sits at 3,500m in arid Andes, 230km from Salta city, 55km from Chile border—water scarcity is key challenge, addressed by contained aquifers unused by communities and evaporation risk if untapped.[[1]](https://www.bnamericas.com/en/interviews/inside-first-quantums-us525bn-taca-taca-copper-project-push-in-argentina)

Lessons from Cobre Panamá shutdown shape approach: stronger community outreach, public education on mining benefits.

Rail rehab critical as no current route; synergies possible with nearby projects but not required.

Capex rose recently from earlier estimates like US$3.6bn amid updated production studies.[[2]](https://www.bnamericas.com/en/features/first-quantum-raises-taca-taca-copper-project-capex-in-argentina-to-us52bn-and-increases-production)

Key quotes

"Our philosophy with respect to technology has always been for it to drive incremental benefits and improvements, versus it being critical to operational success." — Roelof Brits, Taca Taca project development manager.[[1]](https://www.bnamericas.com/en/interviews/inside-first-quantums-us525bn-taca-taca-copper-project-push-in-argentina)

"We do recognize that water is a sensitive topic in arid environments and we will continue to treat it as a scarce resource." — Roelof Brits.[[1]](https://www.bnamericas.com/en/interviews/inside-first-quantums-us525bn-taca-taca-copper-project-push-in-argentina)

Why it matters

Taca Taca could help meet global copper demand for energy transition, boosting Argentina's output toward 5.4% market share from eight projects.

For investors, it offers First Quantum growth post-Cobre Panamá; creates thousands of local jobs, tests Argentina's mining reforms.

Watch ESIA/water approvals in late 2025, rail deals, and possible RIGI incentives—production timeline uncertain without them.