Argentina MPs approve bill allowing mining in glaciers

Thousands of people have demonstrated against the bill, which scientists and activists say threatens water resources.Argentinian politicians have approved a bill earlier pushed by the country’s right-wing President Javier Milei that authorises mining in ecologically sensitive areas of glaciers and permafrost, a move that has outraged environmentalists.The Chamber of Deputies, Argentina’s lower house of Congress, approved the amendment early on Thursday with 137 votes in favour, 111 against and three abstentions after nearly 12 hours of debate.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Argentina’s Chamber of Deputies passes controversial labour reform billlist 2 of 3Argentina declares Jalisco New Generation Cartel a ‘terrorist’ grouplist 3 of 3Argentina expels Iranian diplomat amid rift over blacklisting IRGCend of listThe amendment to the so-called Glacier Law, which was already approved by the Senate in February, would make it easier to mine for metals such as copper, lithium and silver in frozen parts of the Andes mountains.Environmentalists say the reforms will weaken protections for crucial water sources.Thousands of people took part in a demonstration on Wednesday afternoon outside parliament, with sporadic clashes with police occurring.Some held banners with slogans such as “Water is more precious than gold!” and “A glacier destroyed cannot be restored!”Seven Greenpeace activists were arrested earlier in the day after scaling a statue outside parliament and unfurling a banner urging politicians “not to betray the Argentine people”.The passage of the amendment is another victory for Milei, who pushed through looser labour laws in February despite repeated street protests.Nicolas Mayoraz, an MP from Milei’s ruling La Libertad Avanza party, told lawmakers that combining “environmental protection and sustainable development is possible”.Environmental activist Flavia Broffoni rejected the government’s position.