Guatemala: Mining Moratorium Proposed

A bill proposes a five year suspension of the emission of licenses for prospecting, exploration and exploitation of metallic minerals and hydroelectric licenses.

Friday, June 3, 2016

From a statement issued by the Congress of Guatemala:

Congressmen from the Convergence block presented to the Legislative Department a legal bill for a Moratorium on Mining and Hydropower, which proposes suspending for five years the issuance of licenses for prospecting, exploration and exploitation of metallic minerals and hydroelectric licenses, for the purpose discussing a new national policy for the two issues during this timeframe.

The deputies say that the postponement would allow for the analysis of this tool, which includes the participation of the population through binding referendums, which could prevent social unrest in the interior of the country where there has been the greatest resistance.

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