Mining News - February 2026

Legislative News

General Provision  8/2026 of the Provincial Directorate of Mining of the Province of Catamarca, published in the Official Gazette of Catamarca on February 12, 2026

This Provision updates the mining fee applicable to third‑category fiscal quarries, setting it at ARS 124,180.63 per year and per hectare, payable in advance in two equal semiannual installments due on June 30 and December 31 of each year.

Decree 105/2026 of the Federal Executive Branch, published in the Official Gazette on February 19, 2026

According to it, the deadline to submit applications to adhere to the RIGI regime has been extended until July 8, 2027.

It also introduces adjustments to the minimum investment thresholds, expands import duty exemptions for RIGI suppliers, and clarifies that the presumption of no distortion of the local market applies only to projects that produce and export commodities.

Further, the Decree redefines the concept of “project expansions” to include investments that increase the project’s productive capacity, while maintaining the requirements under which the project was originally approved. Pre‑existing technological projects may have the incorporation of new products with significant technological innovation considered as an expansion, depending on specific investment, composition, and useful‑life requirements.

Finally, the Decree grants tax benefits and tariff exemptions to RIGI projects, and relaxes the net foreign‑currency balance requirement.

Mining in the Media

“Argentina and the United States signed a framework agreement to strengthen the supply of critical minerals,” published in Panorama Minero on February 4, 2026

Argentina and the United States signed a framework instrument aimed at strengthening the supply chain related to mining and the processing of critical minerals. The agreement reaffirms the strategic partnership between both countries and their commitment to promoting a secure, resilient, and competitive supply.

“Senate approved the amendment to the Glaciers Law and the Mercosur–EU Agreement,” published by the Argentine Senate on February 26, 2026

The Senate approved, with 40 affirmative votes, 31 negative votes, and 1 abstention, the amendment of Law 26639 on Minimum Standards for the Protection of Glaciers and the Periglacial Environment. 

The bill aims to organize the allocation of responsibilities between the Federal State and the provinces, and clarify technical definitions to avoid contradictory interpretations regarding the protected subject matter and the scope of the prohibitions established under the law.