El Salvador’s legislature has repealed a seven-year-old ban on metals mining, following a push by President Nayib Bukele to stimulate economic growth—a move that has drawn criticism from environmental advocates.
In 2017, El Salvador became the first nation globally to prohibit all forms of metals mining. Bukele, who assumed office in 2019, labeled the ban as irrational.
All 57 lawmakers aligned with Bukele’s New Ideas party in the 60-member legislative body supported the measure to lift the ban. “By crafting legislation that prioritizes the state’s role, we are ensuring that the well-being of our citizens remains central to decision-making,” said legislator Elisa Rosales during a parliamentary address.
The new law maintains a ban on mercury usage in mining operations and designates certain areas as protected zones, prohibiting mining activities to safeguard natural reserves.
Despite an expected 3% economic growth this year, El Salvador faces significant financial strain, with debt levels reaching approximately 85% of its GDP earlier this year, as reported by the International Monetary Fund.
Bukele, enjoying widespread popularity due to his aggressive crackdown on gang violence, has highlighted the potential economic benefits of mining for the nation of about 6 million people.
Bukele, who has turned one of Latin America’s most violent countries into one of its safest by incarcerating over 1% of its population, has faced criticism from human rights organizations, which cite reports of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and violations of legal procedures.
Last month, Bukele revealed via social media that studies covering only 4% of El Salvador’s potentially mineable land had uncovered gold reserves valued at approximately $132 billion—around 380% of the nation’s GDP.
“This wealth, a blessing from God, can be harnessed responsibly to deliver extraordinary economic and social progress for our people,” Bukele stated.
However, dozens of protesters gathered near Congress on Monday to voice opposition to the renewed authorization of mining, expressing concerns over its potential environmental and community impacts.
“We reject metals mining because technical and scientific studies have demonstrated that mining operations are not feasible in this country,” said environmentalist Luis González.
“The level of pollution affecting water, soil, and biodiversity would pose unacceptable risks to life as we know it,” he added.
Under the new legislation, the Salvadorian government will retain exclusive authority over mining operations within its terrestrial and maritime boundaries.
