Argentina Mining Environmental Restoration Project

closed

The objectives of the Mining Environmental Restoration Project (GP) are to: (a) strengthen Government of Argentina (GOA) capacity to assess and mitigate environmental risks associated with closed uranium mines, processing sites, and related mining sector investments, in accordance with international good practice; and (b) reduce potential economic and health damages associated with a closed uranium milling site in Malargue and Mendoza. There are three components to the project. The first component is the remediation of the Malargue site. The project will fund remediation works, including the safe disposal of 710,000 tons of tailings and soils, structures to prevent groundwater contamination and dust, and measures to abate radiation and radon emissions. Contracting has been done in conformance with World Bank procedures and civil works have already begun (and as of May, 2008, the required investment is about 30 percent complete). Independent construction supervision conducted by a Bank-hired technical expert has reviewed the design and certified the quality of construction to date. The second component is the mine restoration planning and institutional strengthening. The project will provide technical assistance to study and design remediation options to clean up the additional sites, and support the environmental and social consultation processes required as per international best practice. The project will also fund an international advisory group to advice on the approaches being suggested for each site. Finally, the third component is the project management. The project implementation unit of the GP will be responsible for project implementation, reporting, project monitoring, and impact evaluation of key interventions.