Argentina has begun sanction proceedings against 45 individuals and companies over alleged oil exploration and production activities around the Falkland Islands, escalating a dispute with the UK after President Javier Milei vowed to block the Sea Lion project.
The action was ordered by Mr Milei and announced by Argentina’s Foreign Ministry on Friday, September 4. It covers companies allegedly involved in hydrocarbon operations, as well as shareholders and service providers said to be supporting the work.
Buenos Aires claims the activities breach a 2011 law prohibiting unauthorised oil exploration and exploitation in waters it regards as part of Argentina’s continental shelf. The government said the proceedings would investigate potential violations before penalties are imposed.
The move follows a televised address by Mr Milei in which he described the Sea Lion development as an urgent threat to Argentina’s sovereignty claim. The field lies about 140 miles (220km) north of the islands and is being developed by Britain’s Rockhopper Exploration and Israel’s Navitas Petroleum.
The companies have said they will continue with the project under licences issued by the Falkland Islands Government and supported by the UK. In a joint statement, they said the latest developments were not expected to have a material effect on Sea Lion’s development timetable, with production planned for 2028.
The Falkland Islands Government lists Rockhopper and Navitas among the current holders of production licences, which permit the search for and extraction of petroleum subject to local approval of development plans.
Britain has rejected Argentina’s position. Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband said the UK’s stance on the islands was “unwavering”, while Defence Secretary Wes Streeting said Mr Milei’s latest statement appeared to say more about domestic politics in Argentina than the Falklands.
The UK maintains that the islands are British and that their residents’ right to determine their own future must be respected. Islanders voted overwhelmingly to remain a British overseas territory in a 2013 referendum.
