A Lithium Mine and an Art Haven in Catamarca

So, my friend Gabriel, who's practically been my partner in crime since we were kids, has bought his second lithium mine. Yes, you heard that right—a whole mine! And not just anywhere, but in the rugged, stunning terrain of Catamarca, Argentina. It's called the 3C (Tres Cruces) and, from what Gabriel tells me, it's quite the place.

Back when we were just a couple of kids with too much energy and too many ideas, Gabriel and I dove headfirst into any project we could think of. From throwing themed performance parties and art shows that took over local clubs, to creating intricate geological models of the Andes—no mountain was too high, literally or figuratively. Gabriel was always the guy who took my wild, "what if" ideas and turned them into "heck, yes" realities. Now, years later, even though he’s living all the way in London, some things never change. We're still at it, scheming and dreaming up new ventures.

The other day, we caught up over a long video call, and Gabriel started spilling the beans on his latest endeavor. Amidst tales of lithium and the logistics of mining, he couldn't help but shift gears to something that clearly excited him just as much—the local art scene in Catamarca.

Turns out, Catamarca isn’t just rich in minerals; it's a treasure trove of indigenous artistic talent too. Gabriel, being the art lover he’s always been, has taken it upon himself to spotlight these incredible local artists—his wife is also an artist, so this passion project is a family affair.

In a move that's just so...Gabriel, he's transformed a section of his new offices in the city of Catamarca into an art gallery. This isn’t just any gallery, though. It’s a vibrant showcase of Catamarca’s finest, an homage to the region’s rich cultural landscape. And because Gabriel never does anything halfway, he's also put together a map—yes, a literal map—that guides tourists to various indigenous artist studios scattered across the region.

One artist that stands out in his stories is Susana Mamaní, a ceramicist whose work is a dialogue with history. She sees her craft as a connection to her ancestors, who molded and shaped the same clay centuries ago. Through her work, she keeps their legacy alive, an endeavor Gabriel respects deeply. (More on Susana’s work on a later issue).

Hearing Gabriel talk about his plans and the indigenous art scene, I couldn't be prouder. I've always known he was the kind of person who uses his success to lift others up, and this is just another example. It's one thing to invest in a business purely for financial gain, but another entirely to weave a deeper purpose into your professional pursuits.

Gabriel believes in the power of art as a vital part of living a full life. He's creating opportunities not only for these artists to gain wider recognition but also enriching every tourist's visit, turning what could be just a trip into a meaningful exploration of culture and history.

From throwing parties to mining lithium and promoting local art, Gabriel continues to amaze me with his capacity to envision and execute incredible projects. He lives by a philosophy that I’ve come to admire immensely: if you have the means to make a difference, why not do it? Why not make sure that your impact is as positive as it is powerful?

And so, as we wrapped up our call, and he went back to his world in London, and I to mine in New York, I felt a renewed sense of admiration for my lifelong friend. Here he is, thousands of miles away, in a different hemisphere, still making waves, still being the extraordinary Gabriel I've always known. It's folks like him who remind us that at the intersection of entrepreneurship and art, you find the most beautiful visions for the future.