Malvinas: The 45 People and Companies Milei’s Government Wants to Sanction Over Oil Exploration

Javier Milei’s government has launched a new offensive against companies involved in hydrocarbon exploration and production in the Falkland Islands, announcing that it intends to sanction 45 companies and individuals connected to the projects.

The main target is Sea Lion, an oil project in the North Falkland Basin led by Rockhopper Exploration and Navitas Petroleum. The proposed sanctions also cover shareholders, company directors, investment funds, advisers and suppliers of infrastructure and services linked to the ventures, according to official sources cited by Clarín.

The government presented its position through the Office of the President on X: “The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the corresponding maritime and insular areas are Argentine. By history and by right. There is no discussion. They are and will remain so, regardless of who occupies them.” It added that the occupation had recently intensified its activities by advancing the extraction of Argentina’s natural resources.

Official documentation identifies 45 companies, funds and individuals from several countries. Some are listed as holders of licenses granted by the island authorities. Others appear because of their roles as shareholders, suppliers or corporate advisers.

Among the entities named as alleged illegitimate license holders are Navitas Petroleum Development and Production Limited, Navitas Petroleum Atlantic Limited, Rockhopper Exploration (Hydrocarbons) Limited and Rockhopper Exploration (Oil) Limited. The list also includes Israeli insurance and investment companies, shareholders of Navitas and Rockhopper, and British and Israeli investment and advisory firms. The government says the measures seek to stop them operating in Argentine territory and strengthen penalties for resource extraction without national authorization.

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The Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands and the corresponding maritime and insular areas are Argentine. By history and by right. There is no discussion. They are and will remain so, regardless of who occupies them.