Overview
- President Javier Milei said he will send a bill to Congress that lets each province set its own definition of the periglacial environment.
- The government also plans a DNU drafted by the Ministry of Deregulation and State Transformation, with Economy’s validation, and targets debate in extraordinary sessions and broader backing in 2026.
- Governors from San Juan, Mendoza, Catamarca, and Jujuy pressed at the Mesa del Cobre meeting for a federal framework and investment certainty, with Marcelo Orrego and Carlos Sadir calling a legislative route the stronger option.
- Mining industry voices favor a national law passed by Congress to provide firmer legal protection for projects than a decree later adopted by provinces.
- Supporters argue the current broad rules have frozen copper, lithium, gold, and rare earth ventures, while environmental groups warn that loosening periglacial protections could jeopardize water reserves.