Overview
- The chamber ratified the Environmental Impact Declaration 29–6–1, alongside a royalties law, an environmental compensation fund, and DIAs for 27 Malargüe exploration proposals.
- Five Justicialist Party senators voted in favor while four opposed, revealing a clear split within the PJ documented in the roll call.
- Large anti-mining protests gathered outside the Legislature as roughly 500 police secured the area during the session.
- The sponsor said the project now moves into a roughly yearlong feasibility phase, with a US$559–600 million investment, about 3,900 construction jobs, and potential operations from 2028.
- Authorities emphasized stringent safeguards, including SIMAT real-time monitoring, contingency protocols, and five focus areas covering water, biodiversity, cultural heritage, air, and participatory oversight.