Iglesia Department

Iglesia Departamento Iglesia
Department
location of Departamento Iglesia in San Juan Province
Coordinates: 30°11′S 69°09′W
Country	Argentina
Established	November 15, 1851
Seat	Rodeo
Area
• Total	19,801 km2 (7,645 sq mi)
Population  (2001 census [INDEC])
• Total	6,737
• Density	0.34/km2 (0.88/sq mi)
Demonym	iglesiano/a
Postal Code	5400
IFAM	SJU006
Area Code	0264

Iglesia is a department of the province of San Juan, Argentina. It is located in the northwest mountainous corner of this province with substantial vegetation. Iglesia is one of the most visited departments in the province, particularly around Rodeo.

Economy

Nearly 30 percent of the cultivated area is dedicated to logging. Next in land area are pasture and seeds (garlic, beans, lettuce, onions, peas). Fruit, cereals, vegetables and aromatics are minor crops. Local farmers breed goats and sheep on the grassland.

Significant gold and silver mining occupy the Cordillera iglesiana, including the Veladero mine, which began production in 2005. Located 375 kilometers from the city of San Juan, the project is run by Minera Argentina Gold (MAGSA), a subsidiary of Barrick Gold.