Argentina's Congress Approves Amendment to Glacier Mining Law

Argentina's chamber of deputies approved an amendment to the 2010 glacier law on Wednesday, authorizing mining activities in ecologically sensitive areas including glaciers and periglacial zones. The bill, promoted by President Javier Milei, received 137 votes in favor, 111 against, and three abstentions following nearly 12 hours of debate.

The senate had previously approved the amendment in February.

The amendment aims to clarify regulations on economic development in periglacial areas, which are zones on the edges of glaciers. Under the existing law, a scientific body designates protected glaciers and periglacial environments. The new legislation shifts some decision-making authority to individual provinces to determine which areas require protection and which can be used for mining.

people gathered outside parliament in Buenos Aires on Wednesday to protest the bill's passage.

" Isolated clashes occurred between protesters and police during the event. " Environmental groups, including the Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers, stated that the changes could threaten water supplies for 70% of Argentina's population. Activist Flavia Broffoni said the legislation weakens protections for crucial water sources in the Andes.

Argentina has nearly 17,000 glaciers or rock glaciers, according to a 2018 inventory.

In the northwestern region, where mining is concentrated, glacial reserves have decreased by 17% over the past decade, based on data from the Argentine Institute of Snow Research, Glaciology and Environmental Sciences. The country is a major producer of lithium, used in technology and green energy sectors.

President Milei, who took office in December 2023, supports the amendment to attract large-scale mining projects.

The Central Bank of Argentina estimates, based on industry forecasts, that mining exports could triple by 2030. Supporters, including governors from mining-heavy provinces such as Mendoza, San Juan, Catamarca, and Salta, argue the bill provides legal certainty for projects like the Los Azules copper mine in San Juan.

Mayoraz, a lawmaker from Milei's La Libertad Avanza party, stated during the debate that environmental protection and sustainable development can be combined.

“Environmentalists would rather see us starve than have anything touched.”

Michael Meding, managing director of the Los Azules project, emphasized the need for clear definitions in the law to enable economic development. The amendment represents another legislative success for Milei, following the approval of looser labor laws in February despite public protests.