Catholic church urges Bukele to maintain gold mining ban in El Salvador

In El Salvador, the Roman Catholic Church publicly addressed concerns about the potential reversal of a seven-year ban on gold mining during a Sunday homily by Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas. This ban was implemented in 2017 to protect the nation's precious water resources from contamination, a decision that garnered support from various civic and environmental groups. Recently, President Nayib Bukele criticized this mining ban as 'absurd,' arguing that unmined gold represents untapped wealth that could bring economic transformation to the country. His party, which holds significant control over Congress, is likely to face minimal resistance should he propose lifting the ban. In contrast, Archbishop Escobar Alas emphasized the lasting damage that could result from such a move. He urged Bukele to remain committed to protecting El Salvador's environment, echoing the sentiments of numerous environmental advocates. They argue that mining operations pose serious risks, such as depleting water resources and contaminating existing water supplies with hazardous heavy metals. Over the years, these concerns have been foundational to the grassroots movement supporting the ban, highlighting the potential for detrimental health effects, including kidney and respiratory problems, along with issues like leukemia linked to mining. The president's shift in stance marks a notable change from his initial campaign promises in 2019, where he expressed support for maintaining the ban on mining. As public discourse continues to unfold on this topic, environmental activists remain vigilant, raising awareness around the implications of mining practices, irrespective of claims about 'modern and sustainable' operations. They point out that the notion of green mining is misleading, arguing that the hidden costs, particularly regarding health and environmental degradation, outweigh any proposed economic benefits. As dialogues heat up between the church, the government, and environmentalists, this situation emphasizes the ongoing struggle in El Salvador over resource management, environmental preservation, and economic development. The juxtaposition of the church's appeals against the government's push for mining reflects a broader conflict over priorities, raising fundamental questions about the balance between development and sustainability within the context of El Salvador's natural resources.