El Salvador could be first to ban metal mining

El Salvador’s struggle to “guarantee access to clean water” may end in landmark legislation that would ban metal mining to protect endangered freshwater supplies.

Some 90 percent of surface water is already contaminated, mostly due to agricultural runoff and deficient sewage processes, according to the country’s Environment Ministry.

President Mauricio Funes has continued a policy begun five years ago by his predecessor, Antonio Saca, against new mining permits, yet cross-border mining continues to threaten water sources.

Source: Panam Post