TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras - Honduras will not grant new permits for open-pit mines without stricter environmental laws and clearer social benefits, the country's new president said on Friday.
"I don't want to see more permits for open-pit mines in Honduras," President Manuel Zelaya said in his inaugural address. "Not one more until we have the guarantees needed for the conservation and preservation of our natural wealth."
Four metals mines operate in Honduras, two of them Canadian, one Spanish and one Honduran.
Three are open-pit operations that have seen strong opposition from social and environmental groups who see them as eyesores and potential sources of pollution from cyanide used to separate gold ore.
"They can say we are sleeping on a mountain of gold. Well, we are going to be sleeping there ... but this gold has to serve the Honduran people, and it has to serve the poor of Honduras to develop our nation," Zelaya said.
Gabino Carvajal, president of the National Metal Mining Association said various sectors were supporting a bill putting stricter conditions on new mining operations.
Canadian-owned Glamis Gold is among foreign mining companies operating in Honduras, where it runs the San Martin Mine.
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
