El Salvador’s congress overturned a 2017 ban on metal mining, igniting fierce resistance from environmentalists concerned about water pollution and public health risks.
Camilo Freedman reports for The Guardian.
In short:
- El Salvador's government repealed the world’s first nationwide metal mining ban, prioritizing economic development despite environmental concerns.
- Environmentalists warn mining could devastate rivers like the Lempa, a key water source for 70% of the population, introducing arsenic and heavy metals.
- Activists fear legal battles, public health crises and forced migration due to pollution from mining projects.
Key quote:
“The Lempa River could disappear as we know it. This river needs intensive care to survive agrochemicals, mining and stone extraction, as well as the four hydroelectric plants located within the watershed.”
— Cidia Cortes, environmental biologist
Why this matters:
Mining could significantly pollute El Salvador’s limited water resources, posing risks to public health and agriculture. Critics argue the authoritarian government’s push for mining undermines prior environmental protections, leaving vulnerable populations to bear the burden.
Related: El Salvador's environmental struggle intensifies with mining concerns
