ARTICLE

New Regulation on Lithium in the Province of Jujuy

April 13, 2011
New Regulation on Lithium in the Province of Jujuy

On March 2, 2011, the Governor of the Province of Jujuy enacted Decree N°7592/2011, according to which the mineral reservoirs which contain lithium are declared as a strategic natural resource, generator of socioeconomic development for the Province of Jujuy.

This Decree establishes that lithium mining exploration and exploitation projects shall be submitted, in addition to the proceedings established under Decree N°5772/2010 (elaboration and presentation of an Environmental Impact Assessment and the enactment of an Environmental Impact Declaration), to a study by a Committee of Experts for the Integral Analysis of Lithium Projects. This Committee shall be conformed by the Ministry of Production, an expert nominated by the National Science and Technology Counsel, an expert nominated by the National University of Jujuy, two experts appointed by the Legislative body of the Province, an expert nominated by the Environmental Management Secretariat and an expert nominated by the Provincial Direction of Mining and Energetic Resources.
The function of the Committee of Experts for the Integral Analysis of Lithium Projects shall be to issue reports, recommending, or not recommending, the approval of the analyzed projects, with or without modification.

In conclusion, the lithium mining exploration and exploitation projects shall be approved or rejected by a joint resolution of the Ministry of Production and the General Secretariat of the Governor’s Office. The approval shall require the favorable opinion of the Provincial Direction of Mining and Energetic Resources and the favorable advice of the Committee of Experts for the Integral Analysis of Lithium Projects.

The projects that have obtained the exploration or exploitation approval to the date of enactment of this Decree shall be submitted to the assessment of the Committee of Experts for the Integral Analysis of Lithium Projects.

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