UPDATE

Argentina eases glacier protection in $40bn mining push despite environmental fears

Argentina hosts nearly 17,000 glaciers covering about 8,484 square kilometres, and these formations play a critical role in regulating freshwater supplies. / CC / Vasiq Eqbal

By bnl editorial staff April 10, 2026

Argentina’s Congress has approved a reform to the country’s glacier protection law, relaxing restrictions on mining in high-altitude regions in a move aimed at attracting billions in investment, while drawing criticism from environmental groups concerned about water security.

Lawmakers on April 9 passed the bill with 137 votes in favour, 111 against and three abstentions, clearing the final legislative hurdle after Senate approval in February.

The measure, backed by President Javier Milei, modifies the 2010 Glacier Law to allow mining activity in certain periglacial zones previously off-limits.

The reform is expected to unlock significant capital flows into Argentina’s mining sector. Industry estimates suggest the new framework could attract more than $30bn in investment over the next decade, largely targeting copper, gold and silver projects, AP reported.

Local industry group CAEM, cited by Clarín, put the potential higher at about $40bn, with Economy Minister Luis Caputo projecting export revenues of up to $165bn by 2035.

Government officials and industry representatives argue the changes reduce regulatory uncertainty that had delayed large-scale projects. CAEM said the update “contributes to clarifying ambiguities that for years generated uncertainty,” while maintaining environmental protections. Mining Secretary Luis Lucero told local media that previous rules imposed “absolute prohibitions without room for exceptions or environmental impact studies,” discouraging investment.

Under the revised framework, only glaciers and landforms with a “specific hydrological function” will receive strict protection, with provincial governments tasked with defining and updating protected areas. 

Argentina is home to nearly 17,000 glaciers covering about 8,484 square kilometres, and these formations play a critical role in regulating freshwater supplies. Environmental groups, including Greenpeace, have vowed to challenge the law in court, warning it could threaten water access and fragile ecosystems.

“If they refuse to listen in Congress, they will be forced to listen in the courts,” a coalition of advocacy groups said in a joint statement, announcing plans for legal action.

Critics, including opposition lawmakers, have described the reform as unconstitutional and argued it weakens national safeguards.

Experts also raised concerns about long-term environmental risks. Enrique Viale, president of the Argentine Association of Environmental Lawyers, warned the changes could affect water resources relied upon by a large portion of the population, while analysts highlighted the technical challenges of mining in periglacial zones.

According to environmental groups cited by The Guardian, glaciers support 7mn Argentines, or 16% of the population. Beyond feeding rivers, they buffer fragile ecosystems already imperiled by climate change. In the north-west, scientists have measured a 17% shrinkage over the past 10 years.

Despite the backlash, government officials maintain the reform strikes a balance between environmental protection and economic development. Milei said the measure would help boost investment, job creation and growth, positioning Argentina to capitalise on rising global demand for critical minerals such as copper and lithium. The country hosts the world's third-largest lithium reserves (4mn tonnes, behind Chile and Australia) and the sixth-largest copper reserves (9.1mn tonnes), according to the US Geological Survey.