Analysis of Mining Activity in Central America

Conflicts over environmental protection and excessive bureaucracy in the process of granting concessions are the factors that limit the great mining potential in the region.

Thursday, November 6, 2014

The mining sector in Central America represents great potential for investment and business, however, it has so far contributed only 0.75% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), averaged from the six countries in the region, between 2008 and 2012. Costa Rica reported the lowest activity with 0.1% and Panama the highest with 1.7% of GDP.

The Department of Statistics of the General Secretariat of Central American Economic Integration told Revistamyt.com that "... Mining activity was positive only in Nicaragua and Panama, with 11.91% and 14.42%, respectively, between 2008 and 2012, and was negative in the other countries of the region. "

'... Of the six countries in the region, Nicaragua is leading the way for investors. According to a study by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (2013), the mining sector has been growing although more moderately than in 2011, at a rate of 8.2% (versus 23% in 2010). Meanwhile, the Chamber of Mines of Nicaragua reported that mining investments between 2009 and 2012 totaled $260 million. "

While "... Guatemala despite its potential has seen diminished exports due to the conflicts with indigenous groups and the temporary suspension of licenses by the central government. In 2013 there was a reduction of 6% compared to 2012 with a contribution of US $1.0826 billion. "

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