Restrictions on the import of raw materials as a consequence of the Second World War led to the creation of the General Directorate of Fabricaciones Militares. The studies began with the evaluation of the iron deposits of the Paleozoic basins of northern Argentina under the direction of Engineer Victorio Angelelli and the advice of Luciano Catalano. The iron ore of Zapla was exploited and the blast furnaces in Palpalá were built, which allowed the steel industry to begin in the region. The deposits of the Sierra Grande region, which were the most important at the time, were explored and evaluated. However, the exploration of strategic minerals was one of the most important activities carried out. They allowed the first deposits of porphyry copper to be discovered, such as Bajo de La Alumbrera, which was put into operation and allowed Argentina to enter into large-scale mining of disseminated metalliferous minerals. Among its geologists, Remo. R. Romani, Edgardo Menoyo, and Vicente Méndez stood out, with important contributions to the development of mining.