Mining News - December 2025

Legislative News

Resolution 101/2025 of the Argentine Mining Secretariat, published in the Official Gazette on December 5, 2025

This Resolution updates the amount of the annual fee per mining claim in accordance with article 213 of the Mining Code and Resolution 90, dated July 11, 2023, issued by the Mining Secretariat. These updated amounts will apply to the annual period of 2026. The annual fee for first-category substances is set at ARS 17,740.09, while for second-category substances it is ARS 8,963.06.

Law 9687 of the Province of Mendoza, published in the Official Gazette of Mendoza on December 15, 2025

It establishes the legal framework applicable to the collection, assessment, settlement, oversight, distribution, and allocation of mining royalties derived from the exploitation of mineral resources in Mendoza.

Royalties will be determined by applying the established percentages to the “mine mouth” value, in accordance with Law 24196 and its regulations.

The general rate will be 3% of the mineral’s value. For projects that have not begun construction of their exploitation stage prior to the entry into force of the Law, a progressive and variable rate is provided, which may not exceed 5%, as determined by regulation.

Decree 998 of the Governor of the Province of Santa Cruz, published in the Official Gazette of Santa Cruz on December 18, 2025

It establishes that the quarry fee is calculated based on a module, where each module is equivalent to the value of 1 liter of Diesel Infinia, using as reference the pump price of the Automovil Club Argentino, Rio Gallegos branch, in force at the time of payment.

The annual fee is set at 76 modules per hectare.

Mining in the Media

“Pan American plans to extend the life of Cerro Moro in Santa Cruz,” published by Mineria y Desarrollo on December 3, 2025

The Ministry of Energy and Mining of Santa Cruz highlighted the positive results of the recent exploration campaign carried out by Pan American Silver at the Cerro Moro deposit, located in the prolific Deseado Massif.

The mining company reported that the 2025 campaign exceeded 34764 meters of drilling, following a clear strategy focused on three pillars: converting inferred resources into higher-confidence categories (measured and indicated), delineating new resources, and ensuring operational continuity.

“Mendoza Senate approves the province’s largest copper project and opens a new stage for mining,” published in Mejor Energía on December 10, 2025

In the Province of Mendoza, the Upper House approved the Environmental Impact Statement submitted by PSJ for copper exploitation in the Uspallata area, thus clearing the path for the beginning of works.

This development represents a milestone for Mendoza, which historically has lagged in mining activity, enabling the province to integrate more actively and competitively into the national productive landscape.

“Vicuña begins its adherence to the RIGI: it is the first copper PEELP in Argentina,” published in Panorama Minero on December 12, 2025

Vicuña Argentina SA has formally submitted its request to join the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI) under the PEELP category, intended for Long-Term Strategic Export Projects. Through this initiative, the company seeks to incorporate the Josemaria and Filo del Sol deposits, integrated into the Vicuña Project, a major copper development in the Province of San Juan.

“The revival of Alumbrera: why Glencore sees Argentina as a unique copper opportunity,” published by La Nacion on December 12, 2025

Glencore announced the reactivation of the historic Bajo de la Alumbrera deposit in Catamarca, closed in 2018 after more than two decades of operation. With international copper prices at record levels, the company plans to restart production in 2028, with estimated outputs of 75,000 tonnes of copper, 317,000 ounces of gold, and 1,000 tonnes of molybdenum over four years. This relaunch marks the return of Argentina’s largest copper project, aligned with growing global demand driven by the energy transition.

“Argentina has a unique opportunity to supply copper to the global market,” stated Martin Perez de Solay, Glencore’s local CEO, during a presentation in London. According to the executive, global demand will rise from 25 to 35 million tonnes within ten years, and current deposits are reaching their limits. With a more competitive tax framework and currency stability, the company expects Argentina to position itself among the world’s leading copper producers, boosting exports and infrastructure development.

“Government sends bill to Congress to reform the Glacier Law,” published in Panorama Minero on December 16, 2025

The Government announced that President Javier G. Milei had sent to Congress a “bill to reform the Minimum Standards Law for Glacier Protection 26639, with the aim of updating the current regulatory framework, ending arbitrary interpretations, and consolidating an environmental federalism scheme fully compatible with the National Constitution. More than 15 years after its enactment, the so‑called Glacier Law has demonstrated serious interpretative shortcomings that generated legal uncertainty, halted productive investments, and affected the legitimate exercise of provincial powers over natural resources.”

“Gualcamayo receives RIGI approval,” published in Panorama Minero on December 23, 2025

Minas Argentinas plans three decades of productive activity and job creation at the deposit located in the Jachal department in northern San Juan Province.

Approval under the RIGI represents a milestone for the current phase of Gualcamayo, a project that, just two years ago, was moving toward closure.