Argentina approves mineral extraction in glaciers - environmentalists sound the alarm
Kyiv • UNN
Argentina's parliament supported Javier Milei's law to simplify mineral extraction in glaciers. Environmentalists are protesting due to the threat to freshwater sources.
The Argentine Parliament has approved a bill allowing mineral extraction in environmentally vulnerable areas of glaciers and permafrost. The initiative was promoted by the country's president, Javier Milei. This is reported by AFP, writes UNN.
Details
The amendment to the Glacier Law, previously supported by the Senate, simplifies access to copper, lithium, and silver mining in the mountainous regions of the Andes. The lower house of parliament supported the document with 137 votes "for", 111 "against", and three deputies abstaining after almost 12 hours of debate.
Argentina has about 17,000 glaciers and rock glaciers - mixed forms of ice and rock, mainly in the northwestern mountainous regions where mining is concentrated. Over the last decade, glacier reserves in these regions have decreased by 17%, mainly due to climate change.
The decision provoked a sharp reaction from environmentalists, who believe that the changes weaken the protection of important sources of fresh water. On the eve of the vote, mass protests took place near the parliament, in which thousands of people participated. Activists held posters calling for the protection of glaciers and emphasized their critical role in water supply.
Separate clashes occurred between protesters and police, and several activists were detained after direct action.
At the same time, the authorities insist that the reform is necessary for the development of the mining industry and attracting investments. Representatives of the ruling party state that combining economic development and environmental protection is possible.
Addition
Argentina is one of the key producers of lithium, which plays an important role in global energy and technology. According to estimates, the country can significantly increase mineral exports in the coming years.
However, critics of the reform warn that transferring powers to the regions to determine mining zones could jeopardize the water resources of a significant part of the country's population.