Argentina Senate Debates Glaciers Law Impacting Mining Projects

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Written by Amir Richani for IIR News Intelligence (Sugar Land, Texas)

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Summary

The Argentine Senate is discussing possible reforms to the nation's glaciers protection law. Environmental groups have expressed concerns, while the mining chamber seeks technical clarity within established environmental standards.

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Senate Discussion

On February 26, Argentina's Senate began discussions on changes to the current glaciers protection law, which could unlock billions in mining investments but has been heavily criticised by environmental groups.

The law protects glaciers, which are accumulations of ice and snow compacted over long periods, and periglacial environments, to the extent they fulfill relevant water-related functions.

Among the bill's key reforms is the change in operational authority to provincial governments, where provincial authorities identify which glaciers and periglacial environments meet the law's water-reserve functions and supply that information for the national inventory, while each province would set its own standards for protecting those areas.

In parallel, the reform maintains the ban on mining and hydrocarbon activities in protected zones when they would cause a "relevant alteration," and it ties that determination to an environmental impact assessment (EIA) review by the competent authority, which must decide whether an activity can be authorized.

The modifications follow a request from the copper and lithium mining provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta, Mendoza and San Juan to clarify the definitions in the current law.

"The Glaciers Law, in its current wording, has provoked controversy regarding its scope and interpretation, ultimately hindering the achievement of its ultimate goal: to promote the sustainable economic development of our Provinces and the Nation, without compromising future generations," mentioned the provinces in a statement.

Additionally, they requested "tools and policies for adequate environmental assessment by the competent provincial authorities."

If approved by the Senate, the law will be passed to the Chamber of Deputies for another vote.

Comments on the New Bill

Environmental groups have raised concerns regarding the reform, viewing it as a potential weakening of current protection standards. Commenting on these concerns, Greenpeace Argentina biodiversity specialist Agostina Rossi stated, "What this reform proposes is to invert the basic principle of environmental law: Instead of requiring projects to comply with the law, it seeks to adapt the law to projects already underway in protected areas."

Meanwhile, the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM) has welcomed the reform, suggesting that technical regulations on glaciers, periglacial environments and areas for possible development could be more clearly defined. In addition, the CAEM noted that in mining regions, about 93% of water use is for agriculture and7% for industry, and from that 7% only 1% is destined for mining.

The CAEM also reaffirmed its efforts to operate under high environmental standards and to protect the environment.

Mining Projects

The reform could unlock billions in investments. Industrial Info is tracking 212 mining projects in the provinces of Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta, Mendoza, and San Juan worth US$52.80 billion, including major lithium ventures and large copper projects.

Some of these have either applied or have been approved under the Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI), which was introduced by President Javier Milei to attract investments to the South American nation in exchange for fiscal and legal benefits.

Key Takeaways

• The bill would grant Argentina's provincial authorities autonomy over glacial designation and protection.
• Environmental groups have opposed the reform, while the CAEM is supporting the decision.
• Major lithium and copper projects would be impacted.

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About IIR News Intelligence
IIR News Intelligence is a trusted source of news for the industrial process and energy markets, powered by Industrial Info Resources' Global Market Intelligence (GMI).

About Industrial Info Resources
Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of industrial market intelligence. Since 1983, IIR has provided comprehensive research, news and analysis on the industrial process, manufacturing and energy related industries. IIR's Global Market Intelligence (GMI) helps companies identify and pursue trends across multiple markets with access to real, qualified and validated plant and project opportunities. Across the world, IIR is tracking over 250,000 current and future projects worth $30.2 Trillion (USD).