Argentina and France Sign an Agreement to Boost Lithium Mining Investments
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The Argentine government has executed a Framework Agreement with France to foster investment and financing in critical minerals, with a particular emphasis on lithium. This initiative seeks to elevate mining to a strategic priority within the bilateral relationship, consistent with the global imperative for energy transition.
The memorandum is intended to enhance technical cooperation and facilitate investment endeavors by French entities within Argentina. As stated by local authorities, it will function as a strategic blueprint for the implementation of tangible measures designed to bolster France's engagement in the nation's mining sector.
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The Government Promotes an “Expanded RIGI” for Hydrogen Investments
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Congress is advancing a proposal to integrate a specific promotional framework for the Hydrogen Industry into the RIGI regulations, with terms adapted to the sector's extended development timelines.
The proposed legislation aims to implement more adaptable RIGI conditions, specifically for hydrogen projects, recognizing the extended maturation periods these initiatives typically necessitate compared to other sectors. The enrollment period for the regime is extended from two to five years, with an option for a one-year extension. Furthermore, projects are allotted three years to fulfill the minimum investment requirement, which is USD 200 million under the general regime or USD 2 billion for long-term strategic export-oriented projects.
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New Measures in the Energy Sector
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Distributed Generation. The National Energy Secretariat issued Resolution No. 287/2025, streamlining the regime for distributed renewable energy generation. It redefines user categories, eliminates unnecessary procedures, and prohibits additional charges for grid connection.
Electricity Market Reform. Decree No. 450/2025 amends Laws No. 15,336 and No. 24,065 to promote competition, regulate payments among market players, and restrict local taxes that hinder the development of the electricity industry.
New Regulatory Authority. Through Decree No. 452/2025, the government established the National Gas and Electricity Regulatory Authority, merging ENARGAS and ENRE under the Energy Secretariat.
LPG Industry. Decree No. 446/2025 amends Law No. 26,020, aiming to deregulate the Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG) sector, liberalize international trade, and establish an expedited registration system operating under tacit approval.
For further and more detailed information, please refer to our Legal News Alert dated July 14, 2025.
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Carrefour is seeking a buyer or partner for its business in Argentina
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Carrefour’s headquarters in France has formally initiated the process to divest its subsidiary in Argentina. To this end, it has granted a sale mandate to Deutsche Bank, which will be responsible for valuing the assets and identifying potential buyers.
Carrefour Argentina is one of the country’s leading supermarket chains.
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Province of Neuquén Calls for Bids to Repave Provincial Route No. 6
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The Government of the province of Neuquén, through the Provincial Directorate of Roads (DPV), issued a call for public tender for the repaving of a Section of Provincial Route Nro. 6.
Bids will be accepted until August 5 at 11:00 a.m. at the Reception Desk of the Neuquén Provincial Road Directorate. Companies interested in submitting a bid must attend the mandatory site visit, scheduled for July 22 at 12:00 p.m., at the intersection of Provincial Routes 5 and 6.
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New bidding terms for Oil & Gas Tenders in Mendoza
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The province of Mendoza has announced the modernization of its Bidding Terms and Conditions for the awarding of hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation areas. This initiative aims to establish a more flexible, agile, and attractive regulatory framework for investors.
The new scheme is designed to attract strategic investments. Furthermore, the updated bidding terms and conditions enhance the private initiative mechanism, which enables any interested party to submit proposals for ungranted areas, even in the absence of an official call for bids.
For further information, please refer to news@pagbam.com, call (54-11) 4114-3000 or get in touch with us via WhatsApp.
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