LatinNews Daily - 27 February 2026

*Argentina’s 72-member senate has approved a reform to the 2010 glacier protection law promoted by the right-wing government led by President Javier Milei which seeks to loosen restrictions on mining activity in glacial areas. The reform, which was approved with 40 votes in favour, 31 against, and one abstention, now proceeds to the lower chamber of congress. The bill, which would decentralise decision-making so that provinces would decide which glaciers are at risk from mining operations, has been strongly criticised by environmental groups such as the Argentine branch of international NGO Greenpeace which highlights that glaciers are essential for water storage and climate regulation, and warns that weakening restrictions would jeopardise access to water for over 7m people.