Multinational Andean Project; Geoscience investigations to spur economic and social development in the border regions between Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Perú. Inception Report

Abstract

The countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Perú share common geography and borders. The mountain chain of the Andes, forming the spine of South America, links these countries creating a common geology, ecology and economic heritage bred of this link. However, the Andes also form a geographic barrier to travel east and west. This barrier was uplifted by geologic forces creating a hostile world, yet these forces endowed the region with immeasurable mineral riches. Mineral resources have already been discovered and others are certainly yet to be uncovered. lt is toward these yet-to be-found ore deposits, the mineral wealth they contain and the sharing of common purposes that can unite people and countries that this Project is directed. For the participating South American countries, the ultimate goal is the economic and social development of depressed regions along their borders, mainly through mine and infrastructure development. This project seeks to strengthen the National Geoscience Surveys of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Perú, positioning them to undertake complex and demanding projects directed towards the needs of client groups shared by each country. An important client group, made up of mainly exploration and mining companies, many of whom are Canadian, still needs to be supplied with new and updated geoscience information. It is anticipated that new and enhanced data and updated information will supply the impetus tor exploration in remote and little-explored regions of the four participating countries, mainly in their border regions. This exploration activity and the possibility it brings of new mining development may bring economic relief to some of the most - impoverished parts of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile and Perú, and ultimately to Canada through Canadian private sector investment. The regions selected have little hope for other types of economic development besides the exploration impetus and possible mine development resulting from the work of the National Surveys. In addition, the new geoscience information supplied for these regions will assist in land use planning and general economic-development. In addition to supplying much needed basic geoscience data to client groups within each country, this information can be exchanged between the National Surveys to their mutual benefit. Joint investigations with common goals in regions of similar geology, and from differing positions of national strength and expertise, will build stronger national institutions within each country and stronger tie between the countries and Canada. This "Horizontal Integration" will bring the expertise that presently resides within the member countries to the forefront, benefiting all of the participating nations. The Geological Survey of Canada will prov-ide scientific counsel, specialized expertise and enhance communications between the countries through the project. In addition to the direct benefit to the Canadian private sector through the sale of goods and services under the proposed project, the Geological Survey of Canada will benefit through expansion of its knowledge base in geological terrain relevant to both its national mandate and its international one of increasing the competitiveness of Canadian companies.