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Guatemala Revokes Canadian Firm’s Permit for Gold Mine
Guatemala made the decision to revoke a permit issued to a Canadian firm, Bluestone Resources, for an open-pit gold mine near its border with El Salvador. This project, which involved changing the extraction method from underground to surface mining at the Cerro Blanco mine, faced significant backlash from environmentalists and local residents.
Government Concerns and Anomalies in Permit Amendment
The permit revocation came shortly after the departure of former right-wing president Alejandro Giammattei, being replaced by Bernardo Arevalo, whose government raised serious concerns about the environmental impact of the project. Environment Minister Patricia Orantes cited anomalies in the permit amendment process, including fake signatures and missing key documents, raising questions about the legitimacy of the original approval.
Fears of Contamination and Calls for New Assessment
Residents and environmental activists have expressed fears that the gold mine project could lead to contamination of Lake Guija, shared by Guatemala and El Salvador, as well as the Lempa river, a vital water source for the Salvadoran capital. Minister of Mines Victor Hugo Ventura announced that Bluestone Resources would need to undergo a new environmental impact assessment to address these concerns and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.
Additional Insight:
It is crucial for governments to prioritize environmental protection and community welfare when approving mining projects, especially those with potentially significant ecological consequences. By holding companies accountable and requiring thorough assessments, countries can mitigate the risks associated with large-scale mining operations.
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