Argentina's congress has approved legislation that will authorize mining operations in ecologically sensitive glacier and permafrost areas, despite opposition from environmental groups. The amendment to Argentina's existing glacier law was promoted by libertarian President Javier Milei and had previously passed the senate in February.

The legislative change will make it easier for companies to extract metals including copper, lithium and silver from frozen regions of the Andes mountains. Environmental activists have expressed strong opposition to the measure, citing concerns about potential ecological damage to these sensitive areas.

Meanwhile, Chilean authorities have uncovered criminal networks involved in stealing and illegally shipping millions of dollars worth of copper to Peru and China. The discovery highlights ongoing challenges with metal theft in the region, where copper represents a major export commodity.

Both developments underscore the significant economic value of metals extraction in South America, where countries balance mining revenues against environmental and security concerns. The Andes mountain range contains substantial mineral deposits that are increasingly sought after for various industrial applications.

The timing of these separate incidents reflects broader regional dynamics around mining policy and enforcement, as governments navigate competing pressures from economic development needs and environmental protection advocates.