SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — The Roman Catholic Church has urged El Salvador’s president to maintain the country’s prohibition on gold mining, which was instituted in 2017.
Archbishop José Luis Escobar Alas issued a plea to President Nayib Bukele during a homily, warning that lifting the ban could result in irreversible damage to the nation. This sentiment is echoed by various civic and environmental organizations.

In recent statements on the social media platform X, Bukele referred to the seven-year-old ban on metal mining as “absurd,” asserting that unexploited gold represents a “wealth that could transform El Salvador.” However, it is important to note that Bukele’s party has a significant majority in the country’s Congress, and given the diminished state of political opposition, a formal move to rescind the ban may face little challenge.

The mining ban, which prevents both surface and underground metal mining activities, was established in 2017 amid growing concerns over the protection of the nation’s vital water resources. The coalition supporting this ban included various sectors of society, notably the Catholic Church, and aimed to avert potential contamination. While explorations had indicated the existence of gold and silver deposits, large-scale mining operations had yet to commence, and the extent of the country’s gold reserves remains uncertain.

In response to criticism, Bukele introduced the concept of “modern and sustainable” mining practices that he claimed would be environmentally friendly. However, environmental advocates have swiftly condemned his remarks.
Amalia López, a representative from the Alliance Against the Privatization of Water, argued that the notion of “green mining” is misleading and pointed out the long-term health repercussions associated with mining, including serious conditions such as kidney disease, respiratory issues, and leukemia.

The ongoing debate signifies a significant shift from Bukele’s earlier stance; in 2019, during his inaugural presidential campaign, he expressed support for the mining ban. Now, with renewed discussions about mining, the implications for environmental safety and public health remain a focal point of concern.