El Salvador revives metallic mining risks.

The article focuses on El Salvador's repeal of its 2017 ban on metallic mining through the passage of the Ley General de Minería Metálica (Decree 187) in December 2024. This law grants the state exclusive control over metallic mineral activities and allows public-private partnerships, but it excludes civil society from the drafting process and lacks transparency. While the law prohibits mercury use, it does not ban other toxic substances like cyanide and arsenic, nor does it require environmental impact assessments, raising concerns about threats to water resources, biodiversity, and public health. The article highlights the environmental risks posed by mining, particularly to the Lempa River basin and biodiversity-rich areas, and emphasizes the need for policies that prioritize ecological protection and community well-being.