The articulations between heritization, mega-mining and development narratives in a town located in the northwest of the Argentine province of Santa Cruz.

Abstract

This article analyzes the articulations between heritage, mega-mining and development narratives in the town of Perito Moreno, located in the northwest of the province of Santa Cruz (Argentina). The town it is involved in the municipal management of an archaeological site categorized as a World Heritage by UNESCO in 1999. In addition, it is influenced by the mega-mining activity that has been taking place in the area since the late 1990s. Presenting results of the ethnographic research carried out in Perito Moreno during the period 2017-2019, this work proposes to focus on the experience lived around these processes, to problematize those metaphors and discourses through which heritage and mega-mining are self-legitimized, particularly, their supposed role as generators of benefit and local development.