Argentina relaxes glacier mining protections despite environmental concerns

Argentina relaxes glacier mining protections despite environmental concerns

Argentina's Congress approved an amendment to the 2010 Glacier Law on Thursday, easing restrictions on mining in glacier regions. Environmental groups warn the change threatens vital water supplies for millions.

Key changes in the reform

The original law banned all mining and exploration in glacier areas, designating them as protected water reserves. The new amendment shifts authority to define protected zones from the Argentine Institute for Snow, Ice and Environmental Sciences (Ianigla) to provincial governments.

Glaciers and periglacial environments-frozen areas that may not be covered in ice year-round-will remain under Ianigla's national inventory until provinces prove they are not "strategic" water sources.

Political divide over the amendment

President Javier Milei, who supported the reform, argued it "empowers provinces to utilize their resources" and permits mining in areas "where there was nothing to protect." The Senate passed the bill in February 2026, with the lower house's approval finalizing the change.

"Without water, we can't even think about a growth and development project."

Congresswoman Natalia de la Sota, opponent of the reform

"This law protects glaciers, no matter how much some people want us to believe otherwise."

Congresswoman Nancy Picón Martínez, supporter of the bill

Environmentalists sound alarm

Argentina hosts 16,968 glaciers, feeding 36 river basins across 12 provinces and supplying water to seven million people. Meltwater from glaciers mitigates drought impacts, particularly in semi-arid regions like Mendoza, where climate change is increasing water scarcity.

Greenpeace criticized the reform, arguing that all glaciers and periglacial environments serve as freshwater reservoirs. Biologist Agostina Rossi Serra, a Greenpeace collaborator, emphasized their role in sustaining rivers and streams, especially in arid and semi-arid areas where water is already scarce.

Provincial support and economic arguments

Governors from mineral-rich provinces-Catamarca, Jujuy, Salta, Mendoza, and San Juan-backed the amendment, claiming the 2010 law hindered "sustainable economic development." They argued the reform balances resource use with long-term environmental protection.