Secret mining studies and private deals: is a new gold rush quietly starting in El Salvador?

As the country's metal mining ban is lifted, rural communities fear a return of the contamination, violence and water shortages that cost so many lives and livelihoods in the pastSet off the main road through San Isidro, El Salvador, an old gate sits locked by a chain. Across its rusted metal wire mesh are emblazoned the words: "Private property, entry forbidden." A bus stop outside is covered with faded black and yellow posters. Though peeling with age, their message can still be read: "No to mining - yes to life."This is the site of what was once the El Dorado gold mining project. After the suspension of operations in 2009 amid community backlash, OceanaGold formally closed the project in 2017 following El Salvador's historic prohibition of metal mining. Continue reading...