Bonarelli and the geo-agrological and mining map of Corrientes

Abstract

Being governor of Corrientes Dr. Benjamin Gonzalez launched an old idea to generate a survey of the potential of soils and mining in the province. To achieve this he proposed that its preparation should be carried out by Guido Bonarelli considered an expert on the subject. To run it would be accompanied by the chemist Ernesto Longobardi of extensive trajectory in the National Chemical Bureau. Ignorance about the meaning and importance of this work, led to an intense debate in the legislature that should approve it by law. Once approved it was authorized that both Bonarelli and Longobardi would begin to comply with the contract. This involved the study of antecedents, the cartographic and geological development, the sampling and study of soils and waters, the conservation of the material obtained in a museum made for this purpose and the printing of 3000 copies for distribution in different provincial, national and foreign areas. The work was finished in April 1928 and the final documentation that complemented it was delivered in 1929. The text and maps incorporated important data on the geology of the province following the current concepts in the time, and also a brief assessment of the mining potential. Also proposed was a rating of soils and determination of the characteristics of surface water and wells of the province.