Negotiations over New Mining Law Project in Guatemala Hindering the People’s Involvement

Guatemalan Congress - bbcmundo.com

Important community actors affected by mining exploitation cut projects in Guatemala are being completely left out from the discussions regarding the new Mining Law Project.
Magalí Rey Rosa, committed environmental activist, refers to this issue in her recent column in the Guatemalan Journal, “Prensa Libre”. Rey Rosa considers the situation cut as a “tragedy”, because Guatemalans keep losing, while the Congress representatives negotiate the proposal: “We are losing time, resources, possibilities, and hopes.”

Guatemalan Congress Considers Further Benefits to Mining Companies

Mine Marlin, property of Montana, in San Miguel Ixtahuacán, San Marcos, Guatemala - Photo: Kattia Vargas - prensalibre.com

A controversial Law Initiative to modify Mining Law is being discussed at Guatemala’s Congress since last January. If the proposal is approved, mining companies may be exempt from paying taxes and indigenous community consultations will be ignored.

The Canadian Mining Industry

Photo : OXFAM, NZ

Did you know that Canadian mining companies make up about 60% of the world mining industry?

Canada plays a big role in developing mines in countries, a good part them in the third world.