Overview
- The Chamber of Deputies passed the reform with 137 votes in favor, 111 against and 3 abstentions, clearing the way for it to take effect unless courts block it.
- The law keeps a ban on mining on visible glaciers but narrows protection in periglacial zones, which are high‑mountain areas with frozen ground but no surface ice, and lets provinces decide which of those areas have proven water functions to remain off‑limits.
- The government built a cross‑bloc majority with La Libertad Avanza, PRO, UCR and lawmakers from mining provinces, arguing the change gives legal certainty and helps unlock big copper, gold and lithium projects tied to an investment regime known as RIGI.
- Environmental groups and opposition blocs say the reform weakens national minimum standards for water protection and they plan to sue on constitutional grounds, a fight that could reach the Supreme Court and shape future mine permits.
- Watchdog FARN highlighted large federal transfers to provinces before key votes, citing ATN and revenue‑sharing advances, and raised concerns that the money was used to line up support for the bill.