Can you introduce us to M3 Engineering’s history and how it expanded to Argentina?

M3 Engineering was founded in 1986 in Tucson, Arizona, as an engineering services firm focused on mining and astronomical projects. Over time, our scope evolved alongside client needs, and we expanded into a full EPCM company, delivering mineral processing plants across the Americas.

Following the opening of our first Latin American office in Mexico in 1992, M3 Argentina was incorporated in 2010. Initially operating from client facilities, we opened our Buenos Aires office in 2011. Since then, we have managed projects continuously and are proud to be the only company to have completed three greenfield mining projects in Argentina during this period. Our guiding principle remains delivering quality projects on time, within budget, and at a fair price—earning opportunities through client trust.

Our work in Argentina began earlier, between 1997 and 2000, with Minera Alumbrera in Catamarca. From 2005 to 2011, we conducted feasibility studies for Silver Standard (Diablillos), Pan American Silver (Manantial Espejo, Navidad), Goldcorp (Cerro Negro), and Yamana Gold (Suyai). The award of the Cerro Negro EPCM contract in Santa Cruz marked the start of our permanent presence and allowed us to build a strong local team—an essential asset in navigating Argentina’s project culture and complex economic environment.

Choosing Argentina as our first South American office was a strategic decision. We believe this country holds some of the greatest mining potential in the region, with resources yet to be explored and infrastructure still to be built. Today, with a second office in Salta, we continue investing in Argentina’s future while training the next generation of professionals.

How do you stay ahead of the curve as a medium-sized company in a market dominated by multinational firms?

M3’s culture provides a flexible, adaptive environment, allowing us to tailor services efficiently and respond faster than larger organizations. All levels of leadership remain directly involved in project activities, keeping technical expertise sharp and ensuring a strong grasp of client needs. Our flat structure also encourages professionals to take on diverse roles across projects, strengthening both individual and collective know-how—an advantage in an industry where experience is critical.

At our core, we are an engineering and project management company. With over 15 years of operations in Argentina, M3 has developed a deep understanding of the local market. Our team manages challenges such as currency volatility, inflation and import restrictions while working closely with provincial authorities, unions, and supplier chambers. This ensures compliance with local requirements while safeguarding project interests.

Finally, we focus on long-term relationships rather than individual contracts. Clients know they have direct access to key decision-makers, fostering trust and collaboration. This combination of agility, expertise, local knowledge, and client focus enables M3 to compete successfully in a market dominated by multinationals.

In the past few years, what have been the main trends in the mining market in Argentina?

Over the past seven years, lithium was the main commodity for mining projects in Argentina, particularly in Jujuy, Salta and Catamarca. Aside from the Lindero gold project, no other major greenfield developments occurred, but significant exploration took place in copper deposits, especially in San Juan, laying the foundation for Argentina’s next wave of large-scale projects, which will demand major investments in roads, power, railways, ports and other infrastructure.

With lithium prices currently low, few new greenfield projects are expected beyond Rio Tinto’s Rincon. However, projects under construction or near operation will require services for ramp-up and expansion over the next one to two years.

At the policy level, the Milei administration has emphasized mining’s strategic role in the economy. Measures such as the RIGI regime aim to provide long-term stability to attract multi-billion-dollar investments. Still, investors remain cautious, waiting to see how sustainable these policies are after the mid-term elections. In Argentina, projects can succeed with or without special regimes, but understanding the economic and political landscape remains essential.

What are M3 Engineering’s main priorities in the coming year?

M3’s immediate priority is to support its existing clients in the NOA region, focusing on operating mines and ongoing projects. Looking forward, large-scale copper projects are expected to reshape Argentina’s mining sector. In the medium term, nearly every specialized services firm will be active in this space, and M3 is already strengthening ties with current clients and building new relationships with copper developers.

Longer term, provinces such as Mendoza and Río Negro are expected to become important players. M3 monitors early-stage opportunities there, positioning itself to provide studies, evaluations, and engineering services as prospects advance.

By balancing current commitments with proactive growth, M3 aims to stay ahead of industry trends and reinforce its role as a trusted partner in Argentina’s mining sector.