Argentina seems to be moving away from a decades-long opposition to mining and other activities perceived as harmful to the environment, in favor of an approach that places greater emphasis on urgently needed economic development and growth.

Three key legislative proposals that have dominated the public debate in the last few weeks signal this notable shift in attitudes.

On Monday, President Javier Milei filed a bill that modifies a law that protects glaciers, with the goal of loosening barriers on mining. 

Last week, the provincial Congress of Mendoza green-lighted what will become the first copper mining project in the province in two decades — which environmental activists say could potentially contaminate the water in the Uspallata area.

And, this week, Tierra del Fuego also approved a bill allowing salmon farming, which had been banned in the province since 2021 after demands from environmentalist organizations, who warn that the fishes’ excrements, along with antibiotics and other substances used to keep them healthy, damage the ecosystem, and that introducing an exotic species to Argentina’s southernmost waters could put native species in danger.

The conversation surrounding these proposals moves between extremes: some say that allowing such activities will lead to contamination of the environment and pollution of water sources. Others state that mining is an important industry that Argentina needs to develop, as it is rich in mineral resources. 

This is the view held by the government. “The new Argentina will grow thanks to the three pillars of the economy: farming, energy and mining,” said Milei recently, backing the copper mining project in Mendoza. 

There are also those who believe that, while developing those industries will benefit Argentina economically, national and local governments must ensure that the environment is correctly protected.

According to a report by marketing consultant agency LLYC, the pro-mining sector seems to have gained traction on social........

© Buenos Aires Herald