The revival of mining in El Salvador, following President Bukele’s repeal of a 2017 ban, has triggered significant environmental concerns, particularly regarding the San Sebastián River’s contamination. While proponents claim mining could bolster the economy, environmentalists warn of its devastating impacts and question the validity of the reported gold reserves.
The San Sebastián River in El Salvador has become a symbol of environmental degradation, having lost its fish due to contamination from an old gold mine. With mining becoming legal again, concerns grow that similar ecological destruction could occur nationally. In December 2022, President Nayib Bukele repealed a ban on metal mining that had been in place since 2017, citing potential gold deposits worth $131 billion, or 380% of the country’s GDP, which he claims would stimulate economic growth.
However, environmentalists express skepticism about these projections and warn of the long-term damage mining can inflict, using the San Sebastián River as a cautionary tale. In Santa Rosa de Lima, wastewater from Cerro San Sebastián contaminates the river. Community leader Graciela Funes, who collects water samples, argues for immediate action, emphasizing the necessity of clean water for human survival. Her appeal is mirrored by environmentalist Vidalina Morales, who calls for unity against the renewed mining efforts.
Biologist Cidia Cortés notes the legacy of harm left by the once-thriving San Sebastián mine, which became notorious for its adverse impacts on health and the environment. The mine, considered Central America’s most productive in the 20th century, caused significant resource depletion, leading to a decline in community wellbeing. Despite prior bans, artisanal mining persists, leaving unaddressed the environmental damages it has caused.
Supporters of the mining initiative argue it presents a valuable opportunity for economic growth. Political analyst Nelson Flores contends that modern extraction methods can mitigate environmental risks, asserting that denying mining would thwart economic advancement. Conversely, critics are concerned that mining operations risk contaminating vital water sources, such as the Lempa River, which serves a majority of the capital’s population.
Concerns have also emerged regarding the validity of Bukele’s claims about the existence of substantial gold reserves. Ricardo Navarro, president of the Salvadoran Center for Appropriate Technology, contends that the actual concentration of gold in the local soil is minimal, suggesting significant ecological damage could result in exchange for negligible benefits. Economist Julia Martínez shares this skepticism, questioning the absence of robust studies on gold availability while suggesting that the president may be misled about the project’s potential profitability.
In summary, the revival of mining in El Salvador raises pressing environmental and economic concerns. While proponents argue for potential growth and modern extraction methods, critics stress the risks of pollution and limited resources. The situation surrounding the San Sebastián River serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of mining activities, highlighting the need for balanced and evidence-based discussions on the country’s potential mining initiatives.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
