Argentina Eases Glacier Mining Restrictions as Congress Passes Controversial Reform

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Argentina’s Congress has approved a controversial reform to its glacier protection laws, making it easier to carry out mining activities in glacier and periglacial regions.

The amendment modifies the country’s landmark Glacier Law, which was originally passed in 2010 to prohibit mining and exploration in glacier areas by designating them as protected water reserves.

Under the new reform, responsibility for defining which glacier areas are protected will shift from the Argentine Institute for Snow, Ice and Environmental Sciences to provincial governments. This change allows local authorities greater control over land use decisions in their regions.

The legislation had already been approved by Argentina’s Senate in February 2026, and its passage through the lower house marks the final major step needed for the reform to take effect.

President Javier Milei, who supports the changes, said the reform would empower provinces to make use of their natural resources. He argued that it would enable mining activities in areas “where there was nothing to protect.”

The move has drawn strong criticism from environmental groups and some lawmakers. Opponents warn that weakening glacier protections could put vital water sources at risk. Congresswoman Natalia de la Sota said access to water is essential for development, stating that without it, long-term growth would be impossible.

Supporters of the reform have defended the decision. Congresswoman Nancy Picón Martínez rejected criticism of the mining sector, saying it was being unfairly portrayed. She insisted the revised law continues to protect glaciers.

Following the reform, glaciers and periglacial environments will remain under protection through the national inventory maintained by IANIGLA, unless provincial authorities determine that specific areas do not qualify as “strategic” water reserves.

Argentina is home to 16,968 glaciers, which supply water to 36 river basins across 12 provinces. These water sources support around seven million people, making glacier protection a key environmental and economic issue in the country.