The environmental crisis in El Salvador grows as mining is reintroduced, particularly affecting rivers like San Sebastián. President Bukele claims substantial gold deposits could boost the economy, but environmentalists warn of the detrimental impact this could have. The debate continues between economic advancement and safeguarding ecological wellbeing, with skepticism over the reality of gold reserves persisting.
El Salvador is currently facing a growing environmental crisis as mining operations have resumed after a ban that was in place since 2017. The San Sebastián River is emblematic of this issue, having lost its fish population due to the contamination from an old gold mine. The ban was repealed at the request of President Nayib Bukele, who claims that a study, whose authorship remains undisclosed, suggests there are gold deposits worth $131 billion in the country, potentially boosting the economy significantly.
Environmentalists, however, raise concerns regarding the potential harm mining operations may cause, emphasizing the detrimental effects seen in areas like the San Sebastián River. In Santa Rosa de Lima, the local river receives waste from the now-closed Cerro San Sebastián mine, leading to alarming pollution levels. Community leader Graciela Funes highlighted the river’s health by showing a copper-colored water sample, asserting the vital need for clean water in the region.
Historically, the San Sebastián mine was termed “the most productive in Central America” throughout much of the 20th century, extracting over 32 tons of gold. Biologist Cidia Cortés reflects on the enduring negative impact of the mining operations, suggesting that the government has failed in addressing the environmental and health repercussions. “The debt to resolve the damage left by mining projects is still outstanding and worsening,” said Cortés, underscoring the urgency of this issue.
Supporters of mining argue that the sector can lead to economic advancement and improved living conditions for the populace. Political analyst Nelson Flores stated that modern extraction techniques are more environmentally friendly and that denying the opportunity for economic progression would be detrimental to the country.
Contrarily, skeptics question the validity of the government’s claims regarding gold reserves. Ricardo Navarro, president of the Salvadoran Center for Appropriate Technology, argues that the estimates have been inflated, noting the low concentration of gold. Economist Julia Martínez suggested that the president might have been misled about the potential gains from mining, warning of minimal returns in royalties for the country.
The renewed mining initiatives in El Salvador present significant environmental concerns, as evidenced by the contamination of the San Sebastián River and its effects on local wildlife. While some advocate for mining as a pathway to economic development, significant skepticism remains regarding the actual existence of gold reserves and the potential benefits. The complexities surrounding mining’s environmental impact must be addressed to protect vital water sources and community health.
Original Source: ticotimes.net
