ARCA improves VAT recovery for mining exploration activities

Summary

• Argentina’s tax authority ARCA published General Resolution No. 5879/2026 in the Official Gazette on 23 July 2026, streamlining VAT credit recovery for mining exploration companies. Together with Joint General Resolution 5878/2026, it repeals the two-decade-old 2004 joint regime (RGC 1641) governing VAT refunds under the Mining Investment Law (Law 24,196), modifying General Resolution No. 5173/2022. The fiscal benefit itself is fully preserved—only the administration channel changes, flowing from Decree 482/2026. [regfollower.com], [vatupdate.com]
• VAT recovery on exploration is folded into the digital Comprehensive Recovery System (SIR) under code 006 (Form F.8147), covering VAT on imports and purchases of capital goods tied to exploration, recoverable 12 fiscal periods after original computation. Companies may file up to four quarterly claims (March, June, September, December), must be registered in the mining activities register, and must supply an independent accountant’s report. The scheme is mandatory for applications from the March 2026 period onward. [vatupdate.com], [regfollower.com]
• This matters because exploration typically generates VAT costs long before a project produces revenue; the revised digital process lets companies reclaim accumulated credits earlier, improving cash flow during pre-production. Required documentation includes purchase/import invoices with payment receipts, technical details of exploration activities (location, work schedule, environmental studies), and a breakdown of goods and services directly related to prospecting. The reform arrives amid a strong rebound in Argentine mining exploration spending. [regfollower.com], [observatorial.com]

• VATupdate
• Regfollower
• Boletín Oficial