Argentina’s Congress has approved a contentious reform to its glacier protection law, paving the way for expanded mining activity in environmentally sensitive regions of the Andes and triggering widespread protests and concern among environmental groups.
The legislation, backed by President Javier Milei, was passed by the lower house with 137 votes in favour, 111 against and three abstentions, following earlier approval by the Senate. The reform modifies the country’s landmark 2010 glacier law, which had imposed strict restrictions on industrial activities, including mining, in glacier and surrounding periglacial zones to safeguard vital water reserves.
Under the new framework, provincial governments will now have the authority to determine which glacier areas require protection based on their “relevant water function,” effectively decentralising environmental oversight. Supporters argue that the change will unlock significant economic opportunities by enabling access to deposits of lithium, copper, silver and other minerals located in frozen regions of the Andes.
The Milei administration has framed the move as essential for attracting foreign investment and boosting Argentina’s role in the global supply of critical minerals, particularly those required for clean energy technologies. Officials have suggested the reform could generate billions of dollars in exports and create jobs, positioning the country as a major mining hub in the coming years.
However, the decision has sparked sharp backlash from environmentalists, scientists and opposition lawmakers, who warn that weakening glacier protections could have serious ecological and social consequences. Glaciers in Argentina serve as crucial freshwater reserves, feeding rivers that supply drinking water to millions of people, particularly in arid regions. Critics argue that allowing mining in or near these areas risks contamination and long-term damage to fragile ecosystems already under stress from climate change.
Environmental organisations have also raised concerns that the revised law narrows the definition of protected zones, potentially excluding areas that play important ecological roles but may not meet the new criteria. Activists have vowed to challenge the legislation in court, calling it unconstitutional and warning that it prioritises economic gains over environmental sustainability.
Protests erupted outside Congress in Buenos Aires during the legislative debate, with demonstrators holding banners opposing the reform and urging lawmakers to preserve the original protections. The controversy reflects broader tensions in Argentina over economic reforms introduced by Milei’s government, which has pursued an aggressive pro-market agenda since taking office.
Experts say the reform marks a significant shift in Argentina’s environmental policy, moving away from a precautionary approach that had been considered one of the most advanced in Latin America. The original glacier law was widely seen as a model for balancing resource extraction with environmental protection, and its rollback has raised concerns about the future of conservation efforts in the region.
As the new law awaits implementation, the debate is expected to intensify, with legal challenges, political opposition and continued public protests likely to shape its impact in the months ahead.
