The Climate Threat Political Situation in El Salvador

Ban on Metal Mining in El Salvador is Overturned

El Salvador's parliament is overturning the country's seven-year-old ban on metal mining, Reuters reports.

The decision is seen as a major success for President Nayib Bukele, who has long been critical of the ban and said it is hampering the Latin American country's economic development. New legislation will give the government sole control over mining.

- By creating a law that puts the state at the center, we guarantee that the well-being of the population will be at the center of decisions, says Elisa Rosales, who represents the president's New Ideas party.

Protester: There will be unacceptable pollution

Environmental activists in El Salvador are very critical of the country's ban on metal mining being lifted by parliament after seven years, Reuters reports.

Several people, including Luis Gonzalez, gathered outside Congress on Monday to protest. He warns that the environmental effects will be felt.

“The level of pollution generated in the water, soil and biodiversity is unacceptable.”

The lifting of the ban is seen as a success for President Nayib Bukele, who called the ban “absurd.”