News of mining

A crypto-revolution in Argentina

Today 00:17 Argentina’s economy is prime breeding ground for the crypto-world. And the populist promise of cheap energy here is a crypto-miner’s dream.

by Agustino Fontevecchia

Bloomberg

Crypto mining booms on cheap, subsidised energy in Argentina

31-05-2021 10:41 Bitcoin miners are capitalising on the inefficiencies of the country’s interventionist economy to reap outsize returns, fuelled by memories of currency busts and powered by government-subsidised electricity.

Bloomberg

Billionaire miner ready to bet on Argentina as Chile risk grows

19-05-2021 14:12 In a sign of South America’s shifting political winds, a billionaire mining clan is holding off on new investments in Chile because of country risk while looking to move forward with a huge spend in Argentina.

LITHIUM

Argentina talks up potential of growing lithium industry

10-04-2021 08:48 Investment in the lithium sector over the last three years has surpassed US$1.1 billion, while jobs created have tripled, according to government data.

ENVIRONMENT

Protesters denounce 'privatisation' of water, mining, forest fires

23-03-2021 14:19 Hundreds of ecologists protested this Monday in Buenos Aires against the privatisation of water, as well as open-pit mining and forest fires.

UNREST IN PATAGONIA

President targeted by mob battling to keep mining out of Chubut

16-03-2021 08:20 Alberto Fernández forced to dodge protesters as they launch attack on minibus transporting president in Lago Puelo.

MINING

China's appetite for copper provides Chile with opportunity

26-02-2021 13:08 With the price of copper reaching a 10-year high thanks in no small part to China's insatiable appetite, Chile faces a "unique" opportunity, according to experts.

LITHIUM

Argentina eyes lithium expansion, but hurdles may dampen ambitions

12-12-2020 08:48 Government sees lithium mining as a significant source of revenue in coming years, with officials hoping to boost production from 40,000 to more than 230,000 tons a year by 2022. Experts, however, warn that challenges lie ahead.

by Fermin Koop

BLOOMBERG

Latin America’s winners and losers in US vote: Election guide

27-10-2020 13:45 Firms from Mexico, Brazil and Argentina are some of the Latin American stocks whose outlook is tied in part to the outcome of next Tuesday's US election.

Economic policy

Government cuts reduces key export taxes for agriculture, mining

02-10-2020 11:09 Government to reduce export taxes on several key commodities over the next three months, in an effort to boost dollar inflows as Central Bank reserves decline.

SINO-ARGENTINE RELATIONS

Argentina ponders Belt and Road Initiative endorsement

22-08-2020 10:18 By joining the BRI, Argentina could unlock Chinese finance for vital investment in infrastructure and transport, fossil and renewable energy, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, innovation and information technology.

by Dialogo Chino

LITHIUM

Coronavirus halts lithium expansion in Argentina and Chile

23-05-2020 10:10 Projects under development halted and significant investments cancelled, as impact of Covid-19 pandemic begins to hit home.

by Fermin Koop

BLOOMBERG

Argentina eager to boost lithium production, says official

24-01-2020 13:41 The government is determined to boost lithium and copper production, says mining secretary in Washington

ENVIRONMENT

Mendoza's governor asks legislature to repeal changes to Law 7722

29-12-2019 23:56 Mendoza Governor Rodolfo Suárez asks provincial Legislature to repeal modifications to Law 7722 when they meet on Monday. The reform had been approved just a week ago, prompting massive protests called by environmentalist groups.

ENVIRONMENTAL FEARS

Mendoza government puts brakes on controversial mining law

26-12-2019 18:47 Mendoza Province Governor Rodolfo Suárez says he will hold a "broad debate" with all sectors of society on issue. UCR leader refuses to rule out popular vote on modifications to Law 7722.

Jorge Difonso interview

'With this decision, Mendoza has regressed 12 years,' says co-author of Law 7722

24-12-2019 09:51 Lawyer and Cambia Mendoza provincial deputy Jorge Difonso on why protesters in Mendoza are taking to the streets in rejection of alterations made to legislation which restricted the use of dangerous chemicals in mining operations.

by Isabelle Margulies

ENVIRONMENTAL FEARS

Tensions rise in Mendoza as protesters reject modifications to mining law

23-12-2019 16:49 Demonstrators take to streets after lawmakers in famed wine-producing province adjust legislation to smooth way for mining projects. Critics charge it will weaken water protections.

Mines in the Malvinas

Meet the Zimbabweans who remove mines on the Malvinas

30-10-2019 07:00 Years after mines were planted on the Malvinas (Falkland) Islands, Zimbabwean experts are working to safely extract the explosives and keep the local population safe.

ENVIRONMENT

Environment drops off radar after four years of contradictions

19-10-2019 08:09 Experts say the Macri administration is trying to have it both ways when it comes to environmental policies. And worryingly, the outlook doesn’t look much better under a potential government led by Alberto Fernández.

by Fermin Koop

mining industry

Mining companies hope for pragmatic form of Peronism amid project freeze

07-09-2019 01:40 Alberto Fernández tells representatives from 50 mining firms he’s ready to work with them, if elected.

BLOOMBERG – FEATURE

Chile's glaciers may have a bigger problem than climate change

15-08-2019 10:34 Chile has one of the world’s largest reserves of fresh water outside the north and south poles, but the abundant glaciers that are the source of that precious commodity are melting fast. That’s not just an ecological disaster in the making – it’s rapidly becoming an economic and political dilemma for the government of Latin America’s richest nation.