President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador is advocating for the revival of gold mining, labeling the previous ban as “absurd” amid economic stagnation. Despite a significant 2017 law prohibiting metal mining for environmental protection, Bukele claims untapped gold reserves could transform the economy. This initiative has sparked protests from environmentalists, who warn of potential ecological damage, particularly to water sources. As Bukele pushes for policy changes, the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility intensifies.
El Salvador’s Controversial Mining Revival
Describing the previous decision to halt metal extraction as “absurd,” President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador is pushing to reinvigorate gold mining in the country amidst stagnant economic growth. This bold move comes despite substantial criticism from environmental advocates.
In a landmark decision in 2017, El Salvador became the first nation worldwide to ban licenses for both open-pit and underground metal mining, along with the use of hazardous substances such as cyanide and mercury. This law was a significant step towards environmental protection.
Promises of Economic Transformation
On his X account at the end of November, Bukele shared a striking claim: studies covering just 4% of potential mining areas suggested the presence of 50 million ounces of gold, valued at approximately $131.565 million. “This represents 380% of our GDP,” he argued, referencing a study by unknown authors that has yet to be published.
He went on to suggest that responsibly harnessing the country’s natural resources could drastically transform El Salvador’s economic landscape. With his party holding a supermajority in Parliament, Bukele plans to seek the repeal of the anti-mining law to facilitate the auctioning of mining rights, aiming to capitalize on what he describes as the “highest density in the world” of gold deposits.
This initiative has sparked major concerns among environmentalists. Recently, around 300 individuals gathered near Parliament to voice their disapproval, delivering a letter to lawmakers that cautioned against “reactivating this industry” as an “irresponsible decision.” Activists highlight the stark differences between mining in sparsely populated regions, like the Atacama Desert, and the densely populated areas of northern El Salvador, where forest reserves are limited.
Antonio Pacheco, from the NGO ADES, warned that mining in the Lempa River basin, a crucial water supply for the capital, presents severe risks, potentially resulting in widespread environmental harm and water pollution.
Balancing Economic Growth and Environmental Responsibility
With over a quarter of Salvadorans living in poverty and nearly 70% of the workforce engaged in informal employment, President Bukele faces the daunting task of improving the country’s economic situation. Some local residents, like Rubén Delgado, believe mining will create jobs and benefit the community. However, others voice concerns about the environmental impact, particularly José Torres, an independent gold seeker who fears further pollution of local rivers.
Jesuit priest Rodolfo Cardenal, a vocal opponent of mining, questions the motivations behind Bukele’s push, suggesting that it may prioritize multinational interests over those of the nation. Economic expert Carlos Acevedo acknowledges Bukele’s claims about gold reserves but emphasizes the importance of responsible extraction practices. He cautions that even with abundant resources, there is no quick fix for economic growth.
As El Salvador stands on the brink of a significant policy shift, the balance between economic development and environmental stewardship remains a critical challenge for President Bukele’s administration.