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Five legislative groups convened by the government to meet at the presidential palace are open to evaluating and discussing official proposals for legal reforms to allow open-pit mining.
The meeting, which lasted about three hours on Thursday evening, was requested by the President of the Republic, Rodrigo Chavez. According to the delegates present, the executive branch proposed the idea of evaluating options for gold mining in Crucitas, but also proposed addressing security and environmental issues in the area occupied by coligalleros.
Costa Rica bans open-pit mining Since 2011when a law came into force that incorporated article 8 bis of the Mining Code, explicitly prohibiting such activities.
During the meeting, the President presented the conclusions of the International Court of Arbitration, which declared inadmissible the $394.8 million claim by the Canadian company Infinito Gold against Costa Rica following the controversial cancellation of its mining concession by the Administrative Court in 2010. A trial proved that irregularities had been committed in the issuance of the mining license for the Crucitas mine in Cartridge de San Carlos.
been: Costa Rica wins international arbitration against Infinito Gold over Crucitas mine
Maria Marta CaballoChairman of the bench Christian Social Unity Party (PUSC)He said that gold mining is currently unregulated, creating a security crisis, which he pointed out is related to organized crime.
He added that regulated mining could be the solution and open-pit mining is an option, declaring that mining could be done in a safe and environmentally balanced way, rather than the chaotic way it is now.
Jose Pablo CibajaChairman of the bench New Republican Party (PNR)assured that open-pit mining for Crucitas was better due to the higher costs of underground mining. He said the environmental damage had already been done and could not be compared with the impact of regulated mining. He added that those who attended the meeting showed a willingness to “do something” and they would need technical advice to minimize the impact on the environment.
been: President Rodrigo Chavez says open-pit mining in Crucitas an option
Oscar Izquierdo,boss National Liberation Party (PLN), He mentioned that, in addition to the proposals presented by the executive branch, the possibility of promoting some bills in the Legislative Assembly is also being analyzed. Among the ongoing projects are one by former deputy María José Corrales and another by the PNR, which promotes open-pit gold mining in Crucitas.
Luis Diego Vargas,boss Progressive Liberal Party (PLP)said his party was willing to discuss the recommendations and viewed the issue as one of national security. Pilar CisnerosThe ruling Progressive Social Democratic Party (PPSD) supports the government’s proposal to evaluate gold mining in the area.
Franz TattenbachThe environment minister rejected the model of indifference, arguing that allowing illegal gold mining and environmental pollution over such a large area was unacceptable. He proposed mining as an alternative while reforms were made to better distribute the benefits and maximize opportunities for communities.
Laura FernandezThe Minister of the Presidency criticized the mining legislation in force since 1948, arguing that it was unacceptable to continue giving away wealth, with the current law guaranteeing only 2% of profits from mineral extraction. He proposed modernizing the legislation for the benefit of the country.
he Wide front He did not attend the meeting. He reminded President Chavez that the Crucitas community must receive a solution that respects their will and does not harm the environment or violate national laws. The faction said it does not accept “solutions” that conflict with the legal framework and warned against open-pit mining. He criticized the president’s statement that all options for gold mining in Crucitas are being considered.
Chaves considers open-pit mining as an option for gold extraction in Crucitas, even though it has been banned since 2011. He said legal reforms are needed to allow this type of mining only in Crucitas. In addition, he announced a moratorium on concessions in Crucitas to avoid applications without a state plan, and increased security to prevent illegal mining.
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