The update to Law 24,196 simplifies VAT refund procedures, imports, and the registration of exploration projects.
By Panorama Minero
The Group of Mining Exploration Companies of the Argentine Republic (GEMERA) commented on the regulatory update to the Mining Investment Regime, established under Law 24,196, which introduces changes to VAT refund procedures for exploration, the importation of goods, and the registration of mining investments.
According to the organization, the new framework comprises eight provisions issued between July 2025 and October 2026 by the National Mining Secretariat, the Executive Branch, and the Customs Collection and Control Agency (ARCA), aimed at updating the mechanisms for accessing and monitoring the benefits provided under the legislation.
One of the main changes concerns the VAT refund procedure for exploration, established under Article 14 bis of Law 24,196.
The new regulations replace the paper-based filing system, in place since 2004, with a digital procedure through ARCA's Integrated Refund System (SIR) and the Remote Procedures (TAD) platform.
They also eliminate the requirement to submit prior notice before beginning exploration activities and limit documentation requirements to invoices, proof of payment, and reports on the activities carried out.
The procedure establishes a maximum resolution period of 30 business days for the National Mining Secretariat and an additional 30 business days for ARCA.
GEMERA stated that these changes will establish defined administrative timeframes for recovering VAT paid during exploration campaigns, particularly on geological studies, drilling, mineral testing, and the contracting of specialized services.
Changes to the Import Regime
The update also includes changes to the import duty exemption procedure established under Article 21 of Law 24,196.
The new mechanism introduces digital sworn declarations through the Single Window for Foreign Trade (VUCEA), with a subsequent inspection system and a five-business-day approval period.
It also allows the importation of duly certified used or refurbished goods and establishes a specific regime for mining suppliers according to their turnover levels.
At the same time, the regulations create the Mining Investment Registry (RIM), which assigns a unique code to each project linked to its tax identification number (CUIT) and allows mining rights that share geographical proximity, infrastructure, or operational development to be consolidated.
Tax Stability and Environmental Guarantees
In accounting and tax matters, the update provides for the possibility of using Mandatory Environmental Insurance as an alternative to accounting provisions.
It also establishes defined timeframes for tax stability starting from the submission of the feasibility study, a provision applicable to projects progressing from exploration toward development stages.
According to GEMERA, these changes form part of the adjustment of the administrative and tax mechanisms established under the mining investment promotion regime.
GEMERA Calls for Annual Exploration Investment to Exceed US$1 Billion
Michael Meding, President of GEMERA, addressed the regulatory changes and the levels of investment allocated to mineral exploration in Argentina.
"Today, Argentina allocates approximately US$400 million annually to exploration, but at GEMERA we insist that the country needs to exceed US$1 billion," he stated.
The executive also highlighted the changes introduced to VAT refund procedures.
"Having defined deadlines and a digital procedure for VAT refunds provides the predictability needed to finance exploration campaigns. Although the law maintains the twelve-tax-period waiting requirement, having defined administrative timeframes allows companies to plan their investments with greater certainty," Meding said.
Eight Provisions Make Up the Regulatory Update
The framework reported by GEMERA includes Decrees 449/2025 and 482/2026, which amend provisions of Law 24,196 and its general regulations.
It also includes Joint General Resolution 5878/2026 and General Resolution 5879/2026, related to VAT refunds for exploration and their incorporation into the Integrated Refund System.
These are complemented by Mining Secretariat Resolutions 66/2026, 68/2026, and 73/2026, concerning the technical evaluation of applications, the creation of the Mining Investment Registry, and the procedures applicable to import benefits.
Finally, ARCA General Resolution 5909/2026 incorporates the mining-use sworn declaration into the Single Window for Foreign Trade.
Implementation of the New Framework
GEMERA reported that it will make the technical expertise of its member companies available during the implementation process.
The transition includes adapting internal procedures to new requirements, including the establishment of an electronic legal address and the submission of an annual sworn declaration supported by an independent professional.
The statement also indicates that the import system will be temporarily suspended between October 13 and 16, ahead of the launch of the new digital procedure, announced for October 19.
GEMERA is a non-profit civil association established in 1993 that represents companies engaged in mineral exploration in Argentina and is a member of the Argentine Chamber of Mining Companies (CAEM).
