El Salvador's legislature has overturned a seven-year-old ban on metals mining, with 57 allies of President Nayib Bukele backing the decision to boost economic growth.
The legislation grants the Salvadorian government sole authority over mining activities while prohibiting mercury use and designating protected nature reserves to balance economic and environmental concerns.
President Bukele touted mining's economic potential, citing studies that identified gold deposits worth about $132bn, which could substantially benefit the country's economy.
Despite Bukele's popularity due to a gang crackdown and claims of economic revitalization, human rights organizations have raised alarms over violations including arbitrary arrests and torture.
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