Environmental Concerns Mount as Mining Resumes in El Salvador
El Salvador’s San Sebastián River faces severe environmental damage due to mining. President Nayib Bukele’s repeal of the mining ban raises fears of similar contamination across the country, despite claims of valuable gold reserves. Environmentalists dispute these claims, citing historical ecological harm. While some argue for economic benefits, skepticism remains about the actual existence of gold and ecological safety.
The San Sebastián River has suffered ecological devastation due to contamination from an abandoned gold mine, which has led to a complete absence of fish. With the recent repeal of the ban on metal mining in El Salvador, initiated by President Nayib Bukele, concerns rise that similar environmental disasters may occur throughout the country. The president suggests there are gold deposits valued at $131 billion, equating to 380% of the nation’s GDP, claiming this could revitalize the sluggish economy since dollarization in 2001. However, environmentalists express skepticism about these figures, fearing increased damage to ecosystems.
In the community of Santa Rosa de Lima, located 172 kilometers from San Salvador, wastewater from Cerro San Sebastián, which ceased operations in 2006, flows into the San Sebastián River. Community leader Graciela Funes, who monitors the river’s condition, captures a sample showcasing its polluted status and emphasizes, “Here are the facts.” She argues that the community’s need for clean water is paramount, while environmental advocate Vidalina Morales calls for unity against mining initiatives. The Office for the Defense of Human Rights reported in 2016 that previous mining operations severely deteriorated water quality in the agricultural region surrounding the mine.
The San Sebastián mine, once considered Central America’s most profitable during the 20th century, has left behind a troubled legacy of poverty and environmental degradation. From 1904 to 1953, it produced over 32 tons of gold, yet it inflicted significant ecological and health consequences. Once granted to Commerce Group, its license was revoked in 2006, yet artisanal miners continue to seek gold within the contaminated site. Biologist Cidia Cortés indicates that the state has not addressed the environmental and health consequences of prior mining operations, a debt now compounded by the return of mining.
Opponents of mining fear that projects could further pollute rivers like the Lempa, vital for the majority of the capital’s water supply. Still, proponents of mining, like political analyst Nelson Flores, argue it presents a chance for economic growth and improved living standards. He asserts that modern extraction technologies minimize environmental impact, insisting that economic advancement is essential for the country. However, Flores’s optimistic view is contested by various experts concerning the actual availability of gold in El Salvador.
Ricardo Navarro, president of the Salvadoran Center for Appropriate Technology, critiques the exaggerated claims regarding gold reserves, asserting that only one gram of gold exists per ton of rock, implying substantial potential damage with minimal returns. Similarly, economist Julia Martínez views President Bukele’s interests as financially motivated but laments the lack of credible evidence to support his claims about gold availability. She suggests that foreign mining firms may not provide equitable compensation through royalties.
The return of mining in El Salvador presents a controversial dilemma, juxtaposing potential economic development against escalating environmental risks. Concerns arise from the legacy of contamination left by historical mining practices, particularly emphasizing the plight of the San Sebastián River. While proponents advocate for modern extraction methods and improved economic conditions, skepticism regarding gold availability and environmental welfare persists. The debate raises critical questions about balancing resource extraction with ecological sustainability.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
