Infinito Gold Ltd, the company responable for the developmen of the mine, reported that the court had ordered them to stop works to clear the property while they review the case presented by a group of environmentalists.

The Canadian company had already started to clear the land last week, but had stopped the works until the court makes a decision. The court has not given a date for its final decision.

The mining company has to clear 208 hectares of forest to continue with the project, more than has ever been cut, according to Eduardo Araya, the lawyer who presented the case in favor of two environmental organizations in the zone.

The project was declared to be of national interest by the president of Costa Rica, Oscar Arias.

Source: reuters.com

More on this topic

Cancellation of Crucitas Mining Concession Stands

November 2011

The First Chamber of the Supreme Court of Costa Rica has dismissed appeals filed by the company Industrias Infinito.

In November 2010 the Administrative Court ordered the cancellation of a mining concession to Industrias Infinito, a company that has invested $127 million in the project.

Crucitas Mine, Legal Uncertainty and Foreign Investment

November 2010

A 15-year, $127 million investment was suddenly halted by a court canceling a mining concession to Industrias Infinito in Costa Rica.

On Wednesday a court ruled that there were irregularities in the issuance of permits awarded to the Canadian mining company for exploiting a gold mine, and decided to annul the concession.

Costa Rican Court Cancels Las Crucitas Mining Concession

November 2010

A local court ruled to annul the concession previously granted to Industrias Infinito, and ordered the company to pay compensatory damages.

The court ordered the Costa Rican State and Industrias Infinito to pay environmental damages.

An article in Elfinancierocr.com noted that the ruling is not definitive, as another court (Sala Primera), must first resolve an appeal by Industrias Infinito.

Costa Rica: Court Sustains Measures Against Crucitas Gold Mine

June 2010

An appeals court maintained a series of precautionary measures hampering the development of Crucitas gold mine, owned by Infinito Gold.

The court’s decision was based on a “in dubio pro natura” principle, which implies prevention and precaution in favor of natural resources. The measures against the company will remain in place until a final ruling is issued.