Advances on geothermal exploration at the Cerro Blanco site in Catamarca, Argentina highlight a strategic convergence between geothermal and mining.
The province of Catamarca continues to consolidate its position in the geothermal development of Argentina, after the presentation of progress on the Cerro Blanco project within the framework of GEOLAC 2026, one of the main meetings of the sector in Latin America.
During the event, PiensaGeotermia participated as the official media outlet and moderator of a panel focused on geothermal development in the Andes, where Argentina and Bolivia positioned themselves as leaders in the regional conversation about new energy opportunities.
In this context, Catamarca was highlighted as one of the territories with the greatest potential within Argentina. The presentation was given by Natalia Dusso, representing Catamarca Minera y Energética Sociedad del Estado (CAMYEN SE), where she serves as the technical counterpart for geothermal energy. Dusso presented the progress of the Cerro Blanco geothermal system, located in the Puna region, within the Central Volcanic Zone of the Andes, a geological environment characterized by recent volcanic activity, calderas and numerous hydrothermal manifestations, which reinforces the potential of the area.
The Cerro Blanco system is associated with one of the youngest volcanic complexes in the southern central Andes, where the presence of fumaroles, springs and other thermal manifestations demonstrates an active hydrothermal system.
From a regional perspective, it was highlighted that the geothermal systems of Catamarca present analogies with consolidated Andean developments, such as Cerro Pabellón in Chile, currently in operation, which provides key references for their potential development.
Geothermal energy and mining: a strategic convergence in Catamarca
Beyond its energy potential, the presentation also highlighted Catamarca’s strategic role in Argentine mining development, particularly in critical minerals such as lithium, copper, gold, and silver.
Argentina ranks among the world’s leading countries in lithium resources – first in resources and third in reserves – and is part of the so-called “lithium triangle” along with Bolivia and Chile, concentrating more than 50% of the world’s resources.
In this context, the NOA region, where Catamarca is located, concentrates multiple operations and projects under development, with a growing productive capacity and significant projections towards 2035, both in production and in job creation.
The convergence between geothermal energy and mining thus emerges as a key opportunity: the development of geothermal energy could help supply mining operations in remote areas, improve energy efficiency, and reduce the carbon footprint of the extractive industry.
Technical potential and development plans
The technical advances are based on a pre-feasibility study based on a magnetotelluric (MT) campaign of 105 stations, which made it possible to build a three-dimensional geothermal model and identify the fundamental elements of the system: source, reservoir, seal, and fluid migration pathways. In terms of resources, temperatures are estimated to reach up to approximately 420 °C at depth, with values close to 42 °C at the surface, suggesting high enthalpy conditions with potential for electricity generation.
Furthermore, a preliminary potential of approximately 3.8 MWe per well is estimated, positioning Cerro Blanco as a relevant prospect within the province’s energy strategy.
Looking ahead to the next stages, Catamarca plans to move forward with exploratory drilling and the integration of subsurface data to reduce resource uncertainty, including petrophysical, hydraulic, and thermal studies. In parallel, infrastructure development, including energy networks, transportation, and logistics corridors such as the San Francisco Pass, will be key to enabling both geothermal and mining projects in the region.
Catamarca as an energy and mining hub in the Andes
Catamarca’s participation in GEOLAC 2026 reflects a long-term strategic vision, where geothermal energy is being positioned as a firm and renewable energy source that also enables productive development in the Andean region.
In a context where Andean countries, particularly Argentina and Bolivia, are gaining prominence in geothermal energy and mining, Catamarca is emerging as a key node in the synergy between energy and mineral resources in Latin America.
Source: Direct correspondence in GEOLAC 2026 via our Spanish language platform PiensaGeotermia
