Response by SSR
…SSR has been operating in Argentina since 2009. During this period, we successfully operated the Pirquitas mine located in Jujuy Province in Northern Argentina. Mining of the open pit at Pirquitas ceased in January 2017, and the mine is now moving to a reclamation and closure stage. We have since successfully constructed and commenced operations at the Chinchillas mine, located approximately 42 kilometers from the Pirquitas mine. SSR endeavors to minimize our environmental footprint. … In 2017, we completed a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) of the Chinchillas mine and received government approvals in December 2017. This included a careful analysis and consideration of potential effects on the Laguna de Los Pozuelos. As part of the EIA, we committed to environmental and water quality monitoring in conjunction with local communities. SSR is also committed to ensuring we maximize benefits from our operations within local communities and leave a positive legacy. We have obtained prior and informed consent from the five communities directly impacted by the Chinchillas mine, and we are actively engaged with the nine communities impacted indirectly…