Glencore Plc filed applications with Argentina’s Economy Ministry to bring its El Pachón and Agua Rica copper projects under the country’s new Regimen de Incentivo para Grandes Inversiones (RIGI). Economy Minister Luis Caputo said the two submissions represent a combined capital expenditure of about US$13.3 billion, the largest single set of proposals yet received under the incentive program. The Anglo-Swiss miner plans to invest roughly US$9.5 billion in the first phase of El Pachón in San Juan province and about US$4 billion in the Agua Rica – MARA project in Catamarca over the next decade. Glencore estimates the projects will create more than 10,000 jobs during construction and a further 2,500 once the mines are in operation. Glencore’s move brings to 20 the number of projects seeking RIGI benefits, which Caputo said now total more than US$33.6 billion across industries. The program offers long-term tax stability and other incentives aimed at attracting large-scale foreign investment as Argentina looks to expand its role in global copper supply.