Plizio Visual Lab

Veladero Mine

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Industrial site

Weather…

The Veladero mine in the province of San Juan is one of the largest gold mines in Argentina and one of the highest in the world. It is located in the Andes at an altitude of over 4,000 meters. The open-pit mining is operated using the cyanide leaching process, in which gold is extracted from the rock. Veladero is a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Shandong Gold and is of enormous economic importance to the San Juan region, as it creates thousands of jobs and generates considerable tax revenues. At the same time, the mine is the subject of public criticism due to environmental concerns, especially due to several cyanide leaks in recent years. The mine is an extreme example of mining under the most difficult climatic and geographical conditions and symbolizes the conflict between economic development and environmental protection.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	6	5	1	-2	-5	-6	-4	-2	0	3	6
Rain mm	2	3	2	2	15	20	18	11	3	3	2	2

📋 Practical info

🏭

What is this place?

The Veladero Mine is a large gold mine in the Andes of San Juan Province, Argentina. It is a significant economic factor for the region and extracts large quantities of gold annually.

🚪

Visiting

The mine is not open to the public for safety reasons. From nearby viewpoints along mountain roads, the open-pit facilities can be seen from a distance.

👀

Where to view it

The best public view of the mine is from the RN 150 road or from viewpoints near the town of Iglesia. From there, the terraces of the open pit are recognizable.

🧺

Local products

Gold extracted directly from the mine is not sold on site. In the region, however, craft markets are common, offering local products.

📆

Active season

The mine operates year-round, though extraction may be reduced in winter due to weather in the Andes. Main production occurs in the warmer months from October to April.

➕

Nearby

A visit to the region can be combined with a tour through San Guillermo National Park. The town of Rodeo with its hot springs is also worth a detour.

Geography

Coordinates

-29.37500, -70.02100

Facts

Located at an altitude between 4,000 and 4,850 meters.
Managed as a joint venture between Barrick Gold and Shandong Gold.
Began commercial production in 2005.
Uses a valley-fill heap leach facility to process ore.
A major contributor to the GDP of San Juan Province.
Undergoes continuous environmental audits of its water management.
Requires specialized high-altitude equipment and infrastructure.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Andes24 km · WExplore →

Pisco Elqui60 km · SWExplore →

Paipote Smelter79 km · EExplore →

Elqui Valley80 km · SExplore →

Cerro Mercedario99 km · WExplore →

Barreal107 km · NWExplore →

Los Pelambres Mine113 km · SWExplore →

Caldera123 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Veladero mine?

Veladero is a large gold mine in the Andes of San Juan Province. It matters for mining and the region's export economy.

Can you visit the Veladero mine?

Not as a regular tourist on your own. If access is granted at all, it is only through tightly organized company or technical visits with strict safety rules.

What is Veladero known for?

It is known for high-altitude gold extraction and its importance to San Juan's mining industry. The operation is economically significant.

When is the best time for the region?

Only with very good weather and route planning, usually in the drier and more stable part of the year. Altitude and winter conditions can be harsh.

What is near Veladero?

High Andes, mountain routes, and San Juan as a supply center are nearby. The surroundings are remote and heavily shaped by mining.

Veladero Mine: where is it located?

Veladero Mine is located in Argentina.

Veladero Mine: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Feb, Dec.

Veladero Mine: why is it worth visiting?

The Veladero mine in the province of San Juan is one of the largest gold mines in Argentina and one of the highest in the world.