Environmental Crisis in El Salvador: The Mining Debate and Its Implications

The re-legalization of mining in El Salvador has triggered environmental concerns, particularly regarding water contamination similar to that observed in the San Sebastián River. While President Nayib Bukele claims significant gold reserves and economic potential, environmentalists express skepticism about these claims. The situation underscores the tension between economic opportunity and environmental preservation.

The San Sebastián River, once vibrant with fish life, is now devoid of any aquatic organisms, primarily due to pollution from an old gold mine. With the recent legalization of mining in El Salvador, concerns mount that similar destruction may recur in other regions. The repeal of the mining ban, enforced since 2017 at the request of President Nayib Bukele, has raised alarms among environmentalists regarding the potential for widespread ecological damage.

President Bukele claims a study—whose authors remain unnamed—estimates that gold deposits in the country could amount to $131 billion, or 380% of the GDP. He theorizes that mining could revitalize El Salvador’s sluggish economy, which has struggled since the dollarization process began in 2001. However, many environmental advocates contest these assertions, citing evidence from the deteriorating condition of the San Sebastián River as a warning.

In Santa Rosa de Lima, located 172 km from the capital, local wastewater flows into the river from the site of the now-closed Cerro San Sebastián gold mine. Community leader Graciela Funes has observed the river’s polluted state, noting the copper-colored liquid in her sample. Funes emphasizes the importance of clean water for humanity and asserts the community’s right to it. Environmentalist Vidalina Morales advocates for united opposition against mining, referencing a 2016 report indicating that mining operations severely compromised local water quality in La Unión.

The San Sebastián mine was dubbed “the most productive in Central America” throughout the 20th century. Biologist Cidia Cortés highlights the environmental consequences of its prior exploitation, noting that while the mine produced 32 tons of gold between 1904 and 1953, it left behind significant health and environmental issues. Although operations halted in 2006, artisanal mining continues, and Cortés remarks that addressing the ongoing damage caused by such projects remains an unresolved obligation of the government.

Many environmental advocates worry that renewed mining activities pose risks to other significant sources of water, such as the Lempa River, which supports 70% of the capital’s population. Nonetheless, the reintroduction of mining has garnered backing from some quarters. Political analyst Nelson Flores suggests mining presents an opportunity for economic development, disputing the dire predictions made by environmentalists. He posits that advancements in mining technology may facilitate responsible extraction methods.

Conversely, scholars like Ricardo Navarro of the Salvadoran Center for Appropriate Technology caution that gold reserves in El Salvador have been excessively hyped. With only one gram of gold per ton of rock, he argues that the environmental repercussions may outweigh any potential financial gain from mining. Economist Julia Martínez further questions the president’s claims, expressing skepticism over the existence of substantial gold deposits and suggesting that foreign mining companies may offer negligible royalty payments.

The debate surrounding the resurgence of mining in El Salvador encapsulates a clash between potential economic benefits and environmental conservation. While advocates tout the possibilities for economic growth stemming from mining, numerous environmentalists underscore the dangers of water contamination and ecological destruction. As the nation navigates this critical juncture, the long-term implications for both the environment and the economy remain to be seen.

Original Source: ticotimes.net