The Argentine parliament has approved a law that allows mining in ecologically sensitive glacial areas, sparking protests from environmentalists who warn of the risks.

The Argentine Parliament has adopted a controversial law that allows mining in ecologically sensitive areas, including in glacier and permafrost zones, provoking outrage among environmentalists. The amendment to the Glacier Law, already approved by the Senate, facilitates the extraction of metals such as copper, lithium, and silver in the Andes. The law was voted on with 137 votes in favor, 111 against, and three abstentions, after a debate lasting nearly 12 hours. Environmentalists argue that the reforms will weaken protections for essential water sources. Thousands of people protested in front of the parliament, and Greenpeace activists were arrested after they displayed a banner against the law. President Javier Milei, who does not acknowledge human-caused climate change, claims that the law is necessary to attract large mining projects. The reforms would give provinces more power in decisions regarding environmental protection, which concerns activists who warn that it could affect the water supply for 70% of Argentina's population.