Proposed Argentine Legislation to Recognize Crypto Mining as Key Economic Activity

• Argentine Senator Ezequiel Atauche proposes inclusion of cryptocurrency mining in Knowledge Economy Promotion Law No. 27,506.
• Proposal aims to extend tax incentives to blockchain technology, aligning with sectors like AI and biotechnology.

Argentine Senator Ezequiel Atauche recently proposed an amendment to Law No. 27,506, the Law of Promotion of the Knowledge Economy, to include cryptocurrency mining and blockchain technology among the activities eligible for fiscal incentives. 

Enacted in 2019, this law aims to stimulate sectors that are intensive in technology and knowledge through tax benefits, enhancing development and creating high-quality jobs in areas of high innovation.

The document disclosed that “the Law for the Promotion Regime of the Knowledge Economy (27,506) was enacted in Argentina in 2019 and aims to promote knowledge and technology intensive activities through tax benefits, contributing to the development and generation of quality employment in high innovation sectors. Promoted activities include: software, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, professional services, audiovisual industry, and several others related to the knowledge economy”.

Currently, the law covers sectors such as software development, biotechnology, artificial intelligence, professional services, and the audiovisual industry. Atauche’s proposal suggests that, despite not being explicitly listed, cryptocurrency mining and blockchain technology inherently meet the law’s criteria due to their technological and knowledge-intensive characteristics.

In the petition filed before the silver country’s Senate, it was explained that “in said regulation, cryptoasset mining and blockchain technology development are not explicitly included in the Law on the Regime for the Promotion of the Knowledge Economy (27,506). However, given their technological and knowledge-intensive nature, it is possible to argue that these activities are compatible with the spirit of the law.”

Atauche pointed out the growth potential of cryptocurrency mining in Argentina and the existing challenges that need to be addressed to leverage this sector fully. These challenges include regulatory uncertainties and the need for sustainable energy solutions to support the expansion of mining operations.

“At present, while cryptoasset mining has potential to grow in Argentina, it also faces regulatory and economic challenges that must be addressed to maximize its contribution to national development. This includes resolving regulatory uncertainties and ensuring access to sustainable energy infrastructure to support its expansion,” asserted the minutes presented by the senator.

The senator’s amendment seeks to modify Article 2 of Law 27,506 to formally recognize activities related to blockchain technology and cryptocurrency mining as part of the Knowledge Economy Promotion Regime. 

Continuing with reports from Argentina in CNF, this inclusion would facilitate the development of advanced hardware and software technologies, promote innovations in cryptography and cybersecurity, and encourage resource optimization in mining operations.

“This modification would generate a contribution to technological development, cryptoasset mining fosters the development of advanced technology in hardware and software, while driving innovations in cryptography and cybersecurity. In particular, developments that optimize the use of resources for mining,” the politician informed in his request.

This legislative change is expected to significantly contribute to Argentina’s technological development and economic diversification by supporting sectors that are at the forefront of global technological advancement.

Ethereum (ETH) is currently trading at $4,001.7, showing a minor increase of 0.04%. It recently broke above the $4,000 resistance, a level it hasn’t seen since March 2024. Key support is found at $3,800, with resistance around $4,200, signaling potential for further growth. 

The market cap is approximately $482 billion, supported by strong trading volumes of $21.15 billion in the last 24 hours. Analysts remain optimistic, projecting that sustained bullish momentum could push Ethereum toward $4,500–$5,000 in the near term.