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Potential threat to El Salvador

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Mining is not a socially or environmentally neutral activity. Especially when implemented in a context of unclear rules, weak regulatory bodies and weak governance, it can undermine national well-being and sustainable development. Guatemala is an example of how an activity representing less than 1.0% of GDP and less than 0.5% of tax collection poses high social, environmental and governance costs, as well as transnational risks.

In Guatemala, current legislation does not address the complexity of mining activities. To begin with, they do not regulate the process of public participation and consultation, including indigenous peoples, thus preventing communities directly affected by mining projects from exercising their rights to speak out and determine their own development processes. Conflicts have been observed in a staggering 80.0% of municipalities with valid mining licenses. These conflicts have led to the Guatemalan state becoming a facilitator of mining projects instead of being a mediator or mediator, using figures such as security forces and sieges to suppress demonstrations and criminalize communities that defend Guatemala. Intensified by role. area. In addition, the legal framework has legal gaps, such as the lack of regulations on project closure processes and the environmental responsibility of mining, making mining a threat to the environment.

Guatemalan institutions also have serious weaknesses, with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (MARN) and the Ministry of Energy and Mining (MEM) having limited technical and financial capacity to effectively regulate mining. The environmental impact study (EIA) approval process is inadequate, resulting in the approval of measures that do not meet minimum technical requirements, as well as verifying compliance with the environmental commitments signed by mining companies. I’m lacking capacity. EIA framework. In addition to the above, mining in Guatemala takes place in a context of lack of transparency, accountability and corruption allegations involving high-level officials.

All the aforementioned elements are relevant for El Salvador in the context of the resumption of mining activity at the Cerro Blanco mine, owned by a Canadian-owned company and located in the border sector of Jutiapa. As part of its resumption of activity, the mine has committed to open-pit mining, one of the most destructive mining methods.

The Cerro Blanco project is located in the Lempa River Basin, the country’s main water source and one of the key ecoregions for the protection of Central America’s biodiversity: the Trifinio. Various studies have shown that the project could seriously impact El Salvador’s natural resources and violate the rights of its citizens, especially life, health, food and the environment. For these reasons, it is urgent that the State of El Salvador take action on this issue.

Both the constitution and various international treaties empower El Salvador to avoid potential environmental and human rights impacts. A good starting point is to open a space for dialogue and participation with community and environmental groups that have been monitoring and making recommendations to prevent threats arising from the Cerro Blanco project for over 15 years. However, it is also imperative that the Government of El Salvador, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, engages in corresponding diplomatic efforts with the State of Guatemala to protect the human rights of the Salvadoran citizens and to seek comprehensive management of the common waters. And when good-faith diplomatic dialogue fails, other relevant international cases and mechanisms must be activated to avoid possible rights violations. Mining remains a threat to El Salvador, despite laws against mining in El Salvador.

Source: Diario.Elmundo

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